How do you kill a tree? Hook it up to a 2 gallon RoundUp intravenous drip?
Seriously, I believe if you want to just trim it, you probably can. If the limb you are trimming is greater than 8” in diam, though, I believe you need a permit. Trust me, it’s not worth playing games with this around here; it’d be like desecrating an American flag on a military base, maybe worse. If the town could figure out a way to fine you, they would make your life hell.
OK, I found it. Dead or alive makes no difference, LMAO!
http://www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us/header.asp?genericId=2&catId=10&subCatId=941#tree
“Any tree, dead or alive, public or private, that measures 28 inches in circumference when measured 54 inches above grade is protected under the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Ord. 1966). Homeowners, developers, and contractors should review the Ordinance and guidelines prior to developing plans.
Initial tree removal applications should be first submitted to the City Arborist. At no cost, the City Arborist may grant a Tree Removal Permit if he/she makes the findings related, but not limited, to disease, species (such as Blue Gum), form, structure, danger of falling, vector hosting, or utility interference.
Note: A tree that drops leaves or needles in not a valid reason for removal.
If the City Arborist cannot grant a Tree Removal Permit based on the findings and the homeowner still wishes to have the tree removed, an application must then be submitted to the Zoning Administrator (or the highest approving body based on the type(s) of application). The Zoning Administrator will hold a public hearing on the tree removal request and render a decision based on the findings contained in the Ordinance.
Back to top
Maybe if one has one of these trees in a position to pose a fire hazard to one’s house, and failing the permit process for removal, one could file some sort of legal statement (with a copy to the homeowner’s insurance company) that the homeowner attempted to remediate an obvious fire hazard and was prevented from doing so by City government- putting the responsibility on them if the house burns down as a result.
If it were me I really wanted to get unpleasant about it, I’d sift through their fire codes and set one department against another until I was such a PITA that they’d either grant a permit or at best, come cut the thing down themselves.