The Definitive Guide to Tree Disputes in California

Abstract

Property disputes involving trees occur frequently in California and across the United States. This article provides a summary of California laws about the ownership of trees, tree encroachments, obstructions, and municipal ordinances that regulate tree growth. This article also provides policy recommendations for the future development of tree law in California. Specifically, this article argues that laws should encourage respect for trees and that laws should provide incentives for private citizens to support the health of urban forests.

Keywords: Trees, environmental law, land use law, natural resource law, real estate law, urban forest, encroachment