Community Commentary:

Why should you care about Glendale’s Indigenous Tree Ordinance? Why protect trees at all? What is so special about Glendale? Many Californians think California native trees are quite majestic, so much so that we have taken legislative action to preserve them at the state, regional and local level.

The California Public Resources Code protects oaks and oak woodlands throughout California.

Oaks and oak woodlands are specifically called out by genus within the California Environmental Quality Act as significant heritage elements requiring special treatment.

Of the 51 counties in California, 41 have tree protection ordinances, including Los Angeles County. Many have ordinances that recognize oak, sycamore, California bay and other heritage trees as having significant historical, aesthetic and ecological importance and which create favorable conditions for the preservation and propagation of this unique, irreplaceable plant heritage for the benefit of current and future residents of these counties.

The city of Glendale has had an Indigenous Tree Ordinance since 1982.

Glendale is one of many cities that have native tree ordinances and enforce protective measures when improper trimming is done or trees are removed without permits. The purpose of the ordinance has been to protect and preserve certain indigenous trees. The ordinance states:

“The indigenous oak and sycamore trees growing within the city are natural aesthetic resources, which help define the character of the city. Such trees are worthy of protection in order to preserve the natural environment and to protect the city’s native plant life heritage for the benefit of all citizens. Such oaks and sycamores are unique because of their size and beauty, and their relative abundance adds distinction and character to certain neighborhoods within the community.”

In March, after a yearlong public process, the native tree preservation ordinance was revised and strengthened (“Council beefs up tree rule,” March 22).

The ordinance was changed to be clearer on infractions and fineable actions. There are no fines set; instead, guidelines provide a formula, based upon typical fines in other cities.