The Public Works Department is responsible for the management and trimming of 6,273 street trees. Street trees are trees located adjacent to city streets within the public right-of-way. Staff trims approximately 1,600 street trees each year. Every street tree therefor is trimmed every 4 years.

Trees that are set in front yards behind the public right-of-way and on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner to trim and maintain. We ask that all property owners keep their privately owned trees trimmed in a manner to allow clearance along public sidewalks for pedestrians. A minimum clearance of 9 feet above the sidewalk is recommended.

Palm Tree Preservation Program

The City has in place a palm tree preservation program. The purpose of the program is for the protection of the City's plant life heritage for the benefit of all citizens in Lake Elsinore. The City recognizes the value of significant palm trees within the City of Lake Elsinore as natural aesthetic resources, which help define the history and character of the City. All residents who wish to remove a palm tree that exceeds five feet in height measured from the ground at the base of the trunk to the base of the crown must obtain a palm tree removal permit prior to removal of the tree.

To obtain a copy of City Ordinance No. 1044 that establishes a program to protect and preserve the City's significant palms please contact the Public Works Department at 951-674-5170.

Also a palm tree removal checklist is available on line if you click on the link below.

Palm Tree Removal Checklist