Preservation and management of indigenous trees in our community sometimes requires the removal of those trees for a variety of reasons.  While criteria can vary and include trees in a declining condition of normal health and vigor, to those in conflict with structures, hardscape or utility services, obtaining a granted permit prior to any proposed removal of a protected tree is a requirement of the Indigenous Tree Ordinance (Glendale Municipal Code 12.44.070). 

Because every tree and site is unique, our purpose in providing some guidelines is to receive enough information to make an informed decision based upon the provisions of the ordinance.  

Please consider the following when preparing your removal request:

• Most Indigenous Tree Removal Requests Require a Permit
  
  
  • Except as provided in section 12.44.030 and 12.44.060, any person proposing to remove any protected indigenous tree or trees within the city must apply and obtain an approved permit.
• Please Supply Accurate Information Regarding the Tree(s) Proposed for Removal
  
  
  • In order to provide a complete review of the removal request, it is helpful to include the following information: trunk diameter; correct species identification; photographs of the tree(s) proposed for removal; any proposed replacement trees including species, number and size.
• You May Be Asked to Provide Additional Information in Order to Complete the Review Process
  
  
  • The permit information shall include the reason for the removal.  Based upon the discretion of the Director, additional explanation for the reason for removal may be required, including but not limited to, a statement of inspection by a qualified tree expert verifying the health of any tree declared diseased, dying or hazardous.  The Director may require the applicant to provide additional information, which does not appear on the application and may be needed for evaluating the application, i.e. Tree Risk Evaluation; Tree Risk Assessment, (see definitions below) etc.
• Your Permit May Be Granted or Denied
  
  
  • The Director shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application (12.44.080 A) to remove any protected indigenous tree or trees and may impose any reasonable conditions that the director deems necessary to implement the provisions of the ordinance.

Definitions:

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA, www.isa-arbor.com ) has developed a series of publications known as Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to aid in the interpretation of professional standards and guide work practices based on current science and technology.  These publications are intended as guides for practicing arborists, tree workers, and their supervisors.  The following basic definitions are from the publication titled Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment; Companion publication to the ANSI A300 Part 9: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management-Standard Practices (Tree Risk Assessment a. Tree Structure Assessment)

• Tree Risk Evaluation is the process of comparing the assessed risk against given risk criteria to determine the significance of the risk.  Risk is evaluated by categorizing or quantifying both the likelihood or occurrence and the severity of consequences.  The magnitude of risk can be categorized or calculated and compared to the client’s tolerances to determine if the risk is acceptable.


• Tree Risk Assessment is the systematic process to identify, analyze, and evaluate tree risk.