Menlo Park, California
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Menlo Park
In Menlo Park, any tree 15 inches or more in diameter at 54 inches above grade is a heritage tree, and native California oaks qualify from 10 inches. Removing one, or pruning more than a quarter of its canopy, requires a heritage tree permit before any work begins, and notice must be posted on the property.
- County
- San Mateo
- Tree rules
- Menlo Park Municipal Code Chapter 13.24, Heritage Trees
- Key local rule
- Permit to remove a heritage tree or prune more than 25 percent of its canopy
- Electric utility
- PG&E
- Main hazards
- Winter storms, drought stress, old oaks and redwoods near homes, construction
What makes a Menlo Park heritage tree
Trunks are measured at 54 inches above natural grade.
| Tree | Heritage size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Native California oak | 10 inches diameter (31.4 inches around) | Coast live oak, valley oak and other native oaks |
| Any other tree | 15 inches diameter (47.1 inches around) | Redwoods, pines, elms and others |
| Council-designated tree | Any size | Historical significance, special character or community benefit |
| Multi-trunk tree under 12 feet tall | Not a heritage tree | Measurement rules differ for multi-trunk trees |
Peninsula warning signs
Oak root fungus under watered lawns
Mushrooms around native oaks.
Browning redwood tops
Drought stress.
Large valley oak limbs
Old oaks shed heavy limbs, sometimes in calm weather.
Construction near roots
A common cause of decline years later.
The heritage tree ordinance
Chapter 13.24 has protected Menlo Park's large trees for decades. An earlier version measured at 48 inches and gave redwoods the same 10-inch threshold as oaks. The council later moved measurement to 54 inches and removed the redwood exception, leaving native oaks as the only species protected at the lower size.
Emergency removal permits apply when a tree has an imminent likelihood of failure, a high likelihood of impact and severe consequences, judged with the International Society of Arboriculture's tree risk assessment method.
Oaks, redwoods and big lots
Menlo Park's older neighborhoods, Allied Arts, the Willows and Sharon Heights, were built among valley oaks and coast live oaks, and later plantings added coast redwoods, elms and pines. Many of those trees now dwarf the houses, and remodels and rebuilds often bring heritage tree questions.
Valley oaks are sensitive to summer watering and root disturbance. Redwoods planted inland of the fog belt struggle in hot, dry summers, and their tops brown in drought years.
Winter storms, including the series of atmospheric rivers in January 2023, brought down large trees across the Peninsula and led to many emergency permit requests.
When do I need a heritage tree permit?
Before removing a heritage tree, or before pruning more than 25 percent of its canopy. The applicant must post notice of the removal on the property, and for some development permits, owners within 300 feet are notified. Emergency permits are available for trees at extreme risk of failure, but still require an application and a replacement plan.
- Removal
- Permit, posting and replacement.
- Heavy pruning
- More than a quarter of the canopy needs a permit.
- Emergencies
- Expedited for trees rated extreme risk under the ISA method.
Getting a heritage tree permit
Measure
At 54 inches, and identify the species.
Arborist report
Describe the tree's condition and the reason for removal or pruning.
Apply
Through the city's heritage tree permit process.
Post notice
On the property before removal.
Replace
As the permit requires.
Menlo Park tree questions
Is a 12-inch coast live oak a heritage tree in Menlo Park?
Yes. Native oaks qualify from 10 inches in diameter.
How much of a Menlo Park heritage tree can be pruned without a permit?
Yes, as long as you remove no more than 25 percent of its canopy, following good pruning practice.
What counts as an emergency removal?
A tree rated extreme risk, with imminent failure likely to hit a target with severe consequences.
Does Atherton or Palo Alto use the same rules?
No. Neighboring cities have their own ordinances and sizes.
Do I still have to replace a tree removed in an emergency?
Yes. Emergency permits still require an application and a replacement plan.
Peninsula pages
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