Inglewood Tree Trimming Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Inglewood's Tree Preservation Regulations under Chapter 12, Article 32 protect trees of specific size and species. A "protected tree" may not be reshaped, altered, damaged, relocated, or removed without first obtaining a Tree Removal and Cutting Permit. A tree is defined as any woody perennial plant at least 10 feet high with a major trunk caliper of at least 4 inches measured 54 inches above ground level.

Routine maintenance does not require a permit, including removal of deadwood or storm-damaged branches, light pruning of sucker growth, and removal of branches less than 1 inch in diameter that does not alter the natural form. However, major pruning, cutting of live branches over 1 inch in diameter, pollarding, or large-scale limb removal requires a permit. All maintenance must follow International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) approved practices.

Disfiguring practices are strictly prohibited, even with a permit. This includes stubbing, heading, topping, de-horning, lopping, hat racking, and rounding over protected trees. In emergencies where a tree poses imminent danger, it may be removed without a permit, but must be replaced with a 24-inch box tree. For city-maintained parkway trees, the Public Works Department handles trimming (typically a 3-year turnaround). Dead, diseased, or obstructive parkway trees may be removed and replanted per the City Tree Master Plan.