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For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2025
Contact:
LA Recovery Field Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Tree Waiver Option Now Available for Property Owners Enrolled in Federally Funded Debris Removal
A hazardous tree removal waiver has been established for property owners participating in the federally funded Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program who wish to retain specific trees on their property. This waiver allows owners to retain certain trees identified by a professional arborist to be hazardous.
Hazardous Tree Definition & Removal Criteria
A hazardous tree is any tree that poses an immediate threat to lives or public health and safety, including risks to debris removal crews. Under the PPDR Program, trees are eligible for removal if they meet all the following criteria:
- The tree has a diameter of 6 inches or greater (measured 4.5 feet above ground).
- The tree is a distance less than 1.5 times the tree height from a structure or presents a hazard to work crews.
Example: The tree could fall on a home or sidewalk. Refer to graphic for visual aid.
- The tree is dead or expected to die within five years as determined by an ISA-certified arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
Additionally, trees that have fallen within the ash footprint will be removed as part of debris clearance efforts.
Waiver Request & Important Considerations
Property owners who wish to preserve specific hazardous trees must complete the Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal form. Those opting out of hazardous tree removal should be aware that:
- Retaining hazardous trees may impact the ability to obtain a permit or rebuild on the property.
- The local permitting agency will determine rebuild requirements.
- The property owner assumes responsibility for future hazards caused by the trees they choose to keep.
How to Submit the Waiver
Property owners interested in retaining a tree must:
- Complete the Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal form.
- Provide a site sketch and list of trees they wish to preserve.
- Submit the completed form in person to the Corps of Engineers’ contractor during their site visit.
To obtain a copy of the waiver form, property owners can visit Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal at recovery.lacounty.gov.
For media inquiries, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wildfires Recovery Field Office Public Affairs at SoCalWildfires@usace.army.mil.
 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under a FEMA mission assignment, is leading debris removal operations to clear fire-related debris and support community recovery. Graphics courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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