Ventura County Municipal Code Appendix T1 Tree Removal, Alteration, and Planting Standards

The following standards set forth acceptable methods for protected tree removal, alteration and planting. All standards must be used in conjunction with Section 8178-8 of the Ventura County Coastal Zoning Ordinance, and discretionary permit applications shall be consistent with these standards.

Policy A.2(2) of the Coastal Area Plan specifically defines "protected trees" to include trees that are ESHA (or that contribute to ESHA), native, historical, and heritage trees. For a list of representative native, non-native, and invasive trees, see B1. Except for minor pruning practices, the alteration, transplantation, or removal of a protected tree or the encroachment into the protected zone of a protected tree generally requires a tree permit. Consult the Tree Protection provisions of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance or the Planning Division to determine the types of tree modifications that require a tree permit.

The practices set forth in this Appendix are consistent with the pruning guidelines and Best Management Practices adopted by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations—Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices ANSI A300 (Part 1) 2001 Pruning, ISA ANSI A300 1995, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. The County of Ventura promotes these guidelines as the expected level of care for all trees. Property owners are strongly encouraged to adhere to these pruning guidelines and seek additional advice from qualified tree consultants if conflicts or questions arise.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

a. Tree removal, alteration, and maintenance should be performed by qualified tree trimmers under the supervision of an arborist, who through related training and on the job experience, are familiar with the practices and hazards of arboriculture and the equipment used in such operations.

A good rule of thumb is that if you have to leave the ground, even on a ladder, to prune your tree, you should hire a professional.

b. Pursuant to Section 8178-7.4(e)(2), if the Planning Director determines, based upon substantial evidence, that the alteration or removal of a protected tree may result in unintentional damage to existing development including but not limited to utilities, buildings, protected trees, or ESHA, a qualified tree service company or qualified tree trimmer shall be retained to alter or remove protected trees.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Protected Tree alteration or removal is prohibited during the bird breeding and nesting season (January 1 to September 15), except in very limited circumstances. See Coastal Zoning Ordinance Article 4 Secs. 8178-7.5.1 (General Permit Requirements) and 8178-7.7.4.1.1 (Bird Nesting Surveys).

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Transplanted protected trees are subject to the following:

a. A qualified tree service company shall perform tree transplantation for all protected trees;

b. The applicant must demonstrate that trees transplanted will be properly cared for per industry standards;

c. The tree survives for a period of 10 years; and

d. If the transplanted native tree dies or suffers declining health or vigor, the Tree Protection, Planting, and Monitoring Plan pursuant to Section 8178-7.7.4(d) shall be amended to include replacement trees.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

The following standards are designed to help manage the overall health of a tree, including but not limited to reducing risk of failure, providing an even distribution of branches, and correcting/improving the tree's structural stability. Alteration/pruning of a tree shall be conducted in accordance with the following standards:

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Pruning live branches creates a wound, even when the cut is properly made. Therefore, pruning objectives should be established prior to beginning any pruning operation.

a. Three reasons trees should be pruned.

[Figure]

1. Pruning for Health—Pruning for health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow, and removing crossing and rubbing branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Removing broken or damaged limbs encourages wound closure.

2. Pruning for safety involves removing branches that could fail and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines. Safety pruning can be largely avoided by carefully choosing species that will not grow beyond the space available to them and have strength and form characteristics that are suited to the site.

3. Pruning for aesthetics involves enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower and fruit production. Pruning for form can be especially important on open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning. In some cases, tree pruning can be conducted to enhance views beyond the tree itself. This is a reasonable option when the tree's structure and health can be preserved, allowing it to continue to provide benefits that would be lost if the tree were removed altogether.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Tree branches shall be removed in such a manner so as to not cause damage to other parts of the tree or to other plants or property. Use the following guide for size of branches to be removed:

a. Under two inches in diameter - safe to prune.

b. Between two and four inches in diameter - think twice.

c. Greater than four inches in diameter - have a good reason. A qualified tree consultant shall be consulted to provide justification in writing that removing a protected tree's branches that are larger than four inches will not harm the health of the tree.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

[Figure]

Tree branches shall be removed in such a manner so as not to cause damage to other parts of the tree or to other plants or property. Just above the point along a branch where leaf or lateral shoot growth originates is also the correct place to make a pruning cut. The following standards shall be implemented when pruning trees.

a. Each cut should be made carefully, at the correct location, leaving a smooth surface with no jagged edges or torn bark.

b. A pruning cut that removes a branch at its point of origin shall be made close to the trunk or parent limb, without cutting into the branch bark ridge or collar, or leaving a stub.

c. When removing a dead branch, the final cut shall be made just outside the collar of living tissue.

[Figure]

d. Large or heavy limbs should be removed using three cuts. The first cut undercuts the limb one or two feet out from the parent branch or trunk. A properly made undercut will eliminate the chance of the branch "peeling" or tearing bark as it is removed. The second cut is the top cut which is usually made slightly further out on the limb than the undercut. This allows the limb to drop smoothly when the weight is released. The third cut is to remove the stub, while preserving the branch collar and branch bark ridge.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

The purpose of utility pruning is to prevent the loss of service, comply with mandated clearance laws, prevent damage to equipment, avoid access impairment, and uphold the intended usage of the facility/utility space. Only a qualified line clearance arborist under contract with the utility company shall conduct alteration or removal of trees for the purpose of line clearance work.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Pruning of the tree crown removes hazardous, declining, and/or dead branches. Proper crown thinning can reduce the risk of storm damage allowing wind to pass through canopies that have a balanced foliage.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

a. No more than 20 percent of a tree's canopy shall be removed within an annual growing season.

b. Branches should be selectively removed, leaving more dominant ones intact that show good development in desired directions.

c. Pruning shall maintain the tree's natural shape, and tree topping is prohibited.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Crown raising is the removal of the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance on trees that obstruct vision and/or may interfere with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The following standards shall be implemented when feasible:

[Figure]

a. Lower limbs on young trees should remain as long as possible to create and maintain trunk taper and develop a strong trunk.

b. Shorten low branches regularly and suppress their growth to force more growth in upper branches. The shortened branches can be removed later to raise the crown as needed.

c. Removal of large diameter limbs low on the tree can create large wounds that may not heal and promote decay on the main trunk.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Crown cleaning is a series of pruning cuts that remove hazardous, declining, and/or dead branches, leaving more dominant ones intact that show good development in desired directions.

[Figure]

a. Crown cleaning can be performed on trees of any age but is most common on medium-aged and mature trees that have had minimal maintenance.

b. Since crown cleaning involves the removal of limbs that may have diseases, to avoid the spread of disease, pruning tools should be disinfected between each pruning cut.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement and to reduce end weight on tree branches. Crown thinning can reduce risk of storm damage among intact tree canopies, allowing wind to pass through canopies of "balanced" foliage and stems.

a. Proper thinning involves removing branches at their point of origin or back to appropriate lateral branches.

b. Thinning does not normally influence the size or shape of the tree and should result in an even distribution of branches along individual limbs, not a grouping toward the ends.

c. Removal of only interior branches can create an effect known as lion-tailing. This displaces foliar weight to the ends of the branches and may result in sunburned bark tissue, weakened branch structure, and breakage.

[Figure]

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Crown reduction is the cutting of limbs back to their portion of origin or back to a lateral branch capable of sustaining the remaining limb and the main, central stem of the tree is dominant (i.e., grows stronger than) other branches. Reduction is used to reduce the size of a tree by decreasing the length of one of many stems and branches. Crown reduction pruning can control the size of the tree, however it is no substitute for matching the correct tree species with the site.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Topping is used only when removing an unwanted tree. It should never be used as a primary pruning practice for reducing the height or spread of a tree. When a tree is topped, several things can occur:

a. The branch at the point of the heading cut produces a flush of new growth, usually numerous, vigorous and disorganized sprouts. This "witch's broom" of new growth destroys the tree's natural growth. Sprouts are often long and upright with little variation in shape and structure.

b. In producing such profuse growth to replace the lost foliage, the plant is soon as tall as it was before topping. But now the crown is denser, requiring extra time and effort to prune.

c. The sprouts also create a foliage shell, shading the plant's interior, often causing inside branches to die.

d. New sprouts are weakly attached, crowded and prone to breakage.

e. Never plant trees near or under utility lines, awnings, or anywhere else that will require extensive pruning to keep them from damaging property.

[Figure]

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Tree crown restoration is performed to improve structure, form, and appearance of trees that have been topped, vandalized, or storm damaged. Restoring a tree to a sustainable structure usually requires a number of prunings over a period of years as new dominant branches will take time to form.

a. The process of crown restoration can be a combination of crown cleaning, crown thinning, and crown reduction, depending on the severity of the damage.

b. Removal of dead or broken limbs should be completed first.

c. Choose limbs that are U-shaped to remain rather than limbs with a sharper angle of attachment.

[Figure]

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Wound treatments such as tree tar or other wound dressing, should not be used to cover wounds or pruning cuts, except when a qualified tree consultant recommends such treatment for disease, insect, mistletoe, or sprout control.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Proper pruning can extend the useful life of trees, improve their safety, and add significant value to coastal areas. Conversely, improper pruning can irreparably damage a tree and possibly make it hazardous. The following general standards shall be implemented during tree alteration, removal, or transplantation.

a. Climbing spurs shall not be used in the alteration of trees.

b. Pruning tools used in making pruning cuts shall be sharp and should be disinfected between each pruning cut. Rubbing alcohol, disinfectant spray, or a 1:10 mixture of bleach and water are the recommended disinfectants.

c. Selecting the right tools will ensure pruning operations progress in a safe manner. Examples of pruning tools include the following:

[Figure]

1. Hand Pruning Shears are made for cutting branches up to about one-half-inch in diameter.

2. Lopping shears have long handles to exert great cutting power when pruning branches up to two inches in diameter.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

a. Pursuant to Section 8178-7.5.1, a Planned Development Tree Permit is required for the encroachment into the tree protected zone of a protected tree that is a result of a development project. Examples of encroachments include but are not limited to changing the natural grade, excavating for utilities or fence posts, or paving associated with driveways and streets.

b. Pursuant to Section 8178-7.5.2, a Zoning Clearance Tree Permit is required to alter the roots of a protected tree, provided that such alteration does not involve encroachment into the tree protected zone and a qualified tree consultant states in writing that the root alteration will not harm the health of the tree.

c. The tree protected zone is considered the area in which a critical amount of the tree's roots may be found. To determine the tree protection zone, the following calculations noted in 1., 2. and 3. below, shall be performed for all protected trees within 20 feet of areas proposed to be disturbed. The tree protected zone is measured horizontally from the outer circumference of the tree outward to the distance of the calculated tree protected zone. The calculation that provides the maximum protection is considered the designated tree protection zone.

1. Draw a circle around the tree that is no less than 15 feet from the trunk of the protected tree.

2. Multiply the tree's diameter in inches by one and a half feet (i.e., one inch equals one and a half feet). For example, if a tree's diameter at a height of 4.5 feet above existing grade is 12 inches, the tree protected zone would be 18 feet from the trunk of the protected tree.

3. Draw a circle that extends a minimum five feet outside the edge of the protected tree's dripline.

[Figure]

d. Tree Root Alteration shall only be conducted for the following:

1. When a protected tree is being replanted.

2. If approved grading or construction activities are occurring near a protected tree and no alternative that avoids disturbance is feasible.

3. To alter/prune roots from under an existing curb or sidewalk.

4. As determined by a qualified tree consultant, an inspection reveals root girdling and the roots must be removed in order to preserve the tree.

5. As approved by a Planned Development Permit.

e. If a protected tree's roots must be altered/pruned, pruning activities shall include but are not limited to the following:

1. The alteration/pruning of roots shall be as far away from the tree trunk as possible.

2. Avoid root alteration/pruning within the tree's protected zone unless there is no feasible alternative (as determined by a qualified tree consultant).

3. Avoid root pruning during environmentally stressful times such as droughts, floods, active bud break, and shoot growth.

4. Avoid large roots. No roots greater than two inches in diameter should be altered/pruned.

5. Prior to root alteration/pruning, excavate the soil away from the roots by hand or with an air spade.

6. Do not use backhoes or other equipment that rip or tear roots.

7. Backfill the roots as quickly as possible.

8. Do not alter/prune roots for the purpose of landscaping.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Tables 1, 2 and 3 provide lists of trees for the purpose of identification. The list is not exhaustive and is being provided for reference only.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

California native trees existed in California prior to the arrival of European explorers and colonists in the late 18th century. California's native trees shall be conserved not only because of their beauty and intrinsic value, but also because they are essential components of ecosystems and natural processes. The following list of native trees may be selected for future planting.

Table 1 Native Trees

* The list of native trees was compiled using the responsible landscaping tree list developed by the California Native Plant Society, California Invasive Plant Council and Calflora, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information about California plant biodiversity.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

A non-native tree is an introduced species living outside its native distributional range, which has arrived there by human activity, either deliberate or accidental. Non-native trees can have a negative effect on a local ecosystem by disrupting native vegetated areas, and eventually dominating the region or habitat. Many non-native trees however are not invasive and provide visual interest and enhancement to the built environment. Because non-natives trees can adversely affect the habitats and bioregions they invade, the planting of non-native trees is prohibited in the Coastal Open Space (COS), Coastal Agricultural (CA) and Coastal Industrial (CM) zones and as mitigation for the removal of a protected tree. The following list identifies common non-native trees that are not invasive in California and may be appropriate species to plant where non-native trees are allowed pursuant to the policies and provisions of the LCP.

Table 2 Non-Native Trees

* The list of non-native trees was compiled using the responsible landscaping tree list developed by the California Native Plant Society, California Invasive Plant Council and Calflora, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information about California plant biodiversity.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Similar to the non-native trees listed in Table 2, invasive (or "exotic") trees can out-compete and gradually displace native plants, resulting in a loss of wildlife species that depend upon them. Invasive trees however, pose a greater threat because they can rapidly spread and suppress growth of surrounding plants by shading them out, chemically poisoning them, or out-competing them for food and water. The planting of invasive trees is prohibited in the coastal zone.

Table 3 Invasive Trees

* The list of invasive trees includes species identified as problematic and/or invasive by the California Native Plant Society and the California Exotic Pest Plant Council.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)

Air Spade—A pneumatic soil probe that delivers sudden bursts of air to crack, loosen, or expand the soil to improve the root growing environment or for trench excavation to locate and preserve root tissue.

Arboriculture—The art, science, technology, and business of commercial, public, and utility tree care.

Branch—A secondary shoot or stem arising from one of the main axes (i.e., trunk or leader) of a tree or woody plant.

Branch Collar—Trunk tissue that forms around the base of a branch between the main stem and the branch or a branch and a lateral. As a branch decreases in vigor or begins to die, the branch collar becomes more pronounced.

Branch Bark Ridge—The raised area of bark in the branch crotch that marks where the branch wood and trunk wood meet.

Climbing spurs—Sharp, pointed devices affixed to the climber's leg used to assist in climbing trees (also known as gaffs, hooks, spurs, spikes, climbers).

Closure—The process of woundwood covering a cut or other tree injury.

Co-Dominant: Two main branches that originate at the same point on the main trunk. These create a weak union that is more prone to failure than normal branch development.

Crotch—The angle formed at the attachment between a branch and another branch, leader, or trunk of a woody plant.

Crown—The leaves and branches of a tree measured from the lowest branch on the trunk to the top of the tree.

Decay—Degradation of woody tissue caused by biological organisms.

Establishment—The point after planting when a tree's root system has grown sufficiently into the surrounding soil to support shoot growth and anchor the tree.

Girdling roots—Roots located above or below ground whose circular growth around the base of the trunk or over individual roots applies pressure to the bark area, ultimately restricting sap flow and trunk/root growth, frequently resulting in reduced vitality or stability of the tree.

Interfering Branches—Crossing, rubbing, or upright branches that have the potential to damage tree structure and/or health.

Lateral Brach—A branch or twig growing from a parent branch or stem.

Leader—A dominant or co-dominant, upright stem.

Limb—A large, prominent branch.

Lion's Tailing—The removal of an excessive number of inner, lateral branches from parent branches.

Nodes—Point along a branch where leaf or lateral shoot growth originates. Just above a node is also the correct place to make a pruning cut.

Parent branch or stem—The tree trunk; or a large limb from which lateral branches grow.

Pruning—The selective removal of plant parts to meet specific goals and objectives.

Topping—An inappropriate technique to reduce tree size that cuts through a stem at an indiscriminant location.

Tree Crown Cleaning—Selective pruning to remove dead, diseased, and/or broken branches.

Tree Crown Raising—Selective pruning to provide vertical clearance.

Tree Crown Reduction—Selective pruning to decrease height and/or spread.

Tree Crown Restoration—Selective pruning to improve structure, form, and appearance of trees that have been severely damaged.

Tree Crown Thinning—Selective pruning to reduce density of live branches.

Wound—The opening that is created any time the tree's protective bark covering is penetrated, cut, or removed, injuring or destroying living tissue.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)