Tree Service in Monrovia, CA

Monrovia sits in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, and native oaks are part of many yards. The city adopted an oak tree preservation ordinance in 1987, now in section 17.20.040 of the Monrovia Municipal Code, so tree service in Monrovia often starts by asking whether the tree is an oak and where it stands on the lot.

What the oak rule covers

The ordinance protects oaks 10 inches or more in diameter measured two feet above ground. On single-family properties, it applies in front yards and street-facing side yards on corner lots. In multi-family, commercial and industrial zones, and on vacant lots, it applies across the property. A permit is needed for:

• Removing a protected oak by any method
• Pruning more than one-third of the crown or pruning the root system
• Installing irrigation or grading within the drip line

Deadwood removal alone is exempt.

The permit process

Applications go to the Planning Division for review by the Development Review Committee, with a site plan, photos, the reason for removal and, in some cases, a certified arborist report. If an oak poses a hazard to life or property, emergency removal may be allowed. We can help you prepare a clear description of the tree and its condition.

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Older housing

Monrovia incorporated in 1887 and has a long stock of older homes: about 17% of its roughly 14,900 housing units were built in 1939 or earlier, and the median year built is 1962. The Upton Sinclair House is a National Historic Landmark. Trees on older lots often need clearance pruning over roofs and careful removal of declining non-native trees that were planted decades ago.

Foothill wind

When Santa Ana winds come down out of the San Gabriel Mountains, foothill communities feel them. In December 2011, Monrovia was among the San Gabriel Valley cities hit hard, and the National Weather Service recorded gusts of 60 to 65 mph at nearby Santa Fe Dam. Thinning, deadwood removal and checking for decay before wind season reduce breakage.

Non-oak work

Most palms, pines, ficus and other non-oak trees fall outside the oak ordinance, so routine trimming, palm cleanup and removals of those trees are simpler. Stump grinding follows any removal if you want the spot cleared.

Getting an oak-aware estimate

When an oak is involved, our written estimate notes the species, trunk size and location on the lot, and separates work that should be exempt, such as deadwood removal, from work that may need a permit. That way you can see what can be scheduled right away and what has to wait for the city. For non-oak trees on the same lot, we quote those as their own lines so they are not held up.

Call (626) 594-4788 to set up a Monrovia visit and a written estimate.