Trees
Community Forest & Tree Services
The Public Works Department manages Sierra Madre’s urban forest to ensure public safety and infrastructure resilience. Our team provides professional oversight for over 5,000 public trees and enforces the city’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (SMMC 12.20).
Trimming & Removal Requests
The City’s role in tree maintenance depends entirely on the tree's location and species. Please review the criteria below before submitting a request:
Parkway (City) Trees
Located between the sidewalk and the curb. The City will inspect these trees upon request to determine eligibility for trimming or removal based on health, hazard, or infrastructure impact.
Submit a Request by Email:
- James Carlson, Senior Analyst
Jcarlson@sierramadreca.gov - Eric Lozick, Management Analyst
elozick@sierramadreca.gov
Private Property Trees
The City does not maintain trees on private property. However, if the tree is a Protected Species, a permit is required for removal or "Substantial Trimming" (removal of 25%+ canopy or any 3"+ limb).
Tree Permit ApplicationProtected Species Identification
If you have any of the following species on your property with a trunk diameter greater than 4 inches, they are protected by City ordinance.
Pruning Standards & Cycles
To preserve health and prevent pest infestation, Sierra Madre strictly adheres to ANSI A300 pruning standards. Substantial trimming should only be performed during specific windows:
- Oak Species: Prune only between July and September to prevent fungal infections.
- Eucalyptus & Pine Species: Pruning should only occur between November and April when wood-boring insects are inactive.
*Hazardous trees may be pruned at any time to mitigate immediate risks to public safety.
Pest Alert: Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB)
The PSHB is an invasive beetle found in Sierra Madre that attacks Sycamores and Oaks. It carries a fungus that causes Fusarium Dieback.
Resources & Programs
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Adopt-A-Tree Program | Residential stewardship program to enhance the community forest. |
| Street Tree Inventory | Searchable table of existing City street trees. |
| Management Plan | The 2014 Community Forest Management Plan. |
Contact Us
232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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