Quick Answer: In Burbank, a tree standing in the “parkway” — the strip of land between the sidewalk/curb and the front property line — is generally treated as a public tree, even though the land itself may technically be part of the private parcel. Removing or significantly altering it typically requires a city permit and often a fee tied to the tree’s appraised value. A tree standing entirely on private property, further back from the street, is generally not covered by this same set of rules.
Why is a tree considered “public” if it’s on my property?
Because many cities distinguish between land ownership and the right-of-way the city controls for street, sidewalk, and utility purposes — even where a homeowner technically owns the strip between the sidewalk and their front property line, the city typically retains control over what happens in that strip, including the tree growing in it.
What does it cost to remove a parkway tree?
Removal generally requires a permit, typically with the requirement to plant a specified replacement tree, and often a fee tied to the appraised value of the tree being removed (calculated using a formula that generally increases sharply with trunk size). This isn’t usually treated as a routine or automatic approval — some ordinances require the city to find a specific, justified reason before granting removal.
Do I need a permit just to trim it?
Often, yes — pruning or otherwise altering a tree within the public right-of-way frequently requires its own written permit, separate from a removal permit, and unauthorized work (even something as simple as hiring a landscaper to shape it without approval) can be treated as a real violation in some cities’ codes.
What about a tree entirely on my own private property, away from the street?
This is often a meaningfully different situation — many cities’ public/street tree ordinances don’t reach purely private trees at all, leaving removal and maintenance decisions to the property owner (subject to any separate covenants, HOA rules, or specific hazard/disease provisions that might still apply). Confirm this distinction for the specific city and specific tree location rather than assuming a blanket private-property exemption always applies.
What should this mean for someone buying or selling a home with mature street trees?
Before pricing in a wider driveway, new curb cut, or major front-yard hardscaping project, check whether a tree protection zone around any nearby public tree would affect the plan — construction work too close to a protected tree’s root zone can trigger its own separate review process, independent of the base project’s normal permitting.
Related reading: Burbank Hillside Development Permit: What Actually Triggers It and Burbank ADU Rules: Setbacks, Size Limits & Permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually owns the tree in front of my house?
Even where the underlying land may be part of a private parcel, many cities treat street/parkway trees as public property for maintenance and permitting purposes — check this distinction specifically rather than assuming ownership of the land settles the question.
Can I trim the tree myself if it’s just a light trim?
Often no — many cities require a written permit for any alteration to a public tree, regardless of how minor the work seems, with limited exceptions for specific authorized personnel (such as root work reserved for city-approved contractors).
Does this rule apply the same way in every neighboring city?
No — neighboring cities frequently take meaningfully different approaches (some protect only certain native species citywide regardless of public/private status, others follow a public-tree-only model like Burbank’s). Don’t assume a rule that applies in one city carries over to a similar-looking situation in a neighboring one.
What happens if a previous owner removed a public tree without a permit?
This can create ongoing liability tied to the property, and a seller should be prepared to answer directly (and in writing) whether any tree work was done with proper permits — silence or a vague answer isn’t a substitute for confirming the actual permit history.
General information about a municipal tree ordinance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with Burbank Parks and Recreation before undertaking any tree work near the public right-of-way.
About Will Flannigan
Will Flannigan is a California licensed real estate agent (DRE #01951292) and Certified Trust & Probate Specialist (CTPS) with The Nell Team at Equity Union Real Estate. A former attorney, Will brings a background in property management and over a dozen home flips to every transaction, and has been licensed since 2014. A 20+ year resident of Burbank Rancho, Will specializes in Burbank, Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, and the greater San Gabriel Valley, with fluency in Mandarin serving clients in San Marino and beyond.
Planning front-yard work on a Burbank home — or buying one with big street trees? Checking permits and tree history up front is part of how the right agent helps you avoid surprises. Let’s talk about your plans.
📞 (310) 920-1108
📧 flanniganhomes@gmail.com
🌐 willflanniganrealestate.com
📍 4404 Riverside Dr. Suite D, Burbank, CA 91505