Since Oak Park is an unincorporated community in Ventura County, it falls directly under the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Tree Protection Ordinance, which is the same ordinance that governs Camarillo.

Regulations in Oak Park:

Protected Trees: The Ventura County Ordinance protects:

All oaks and sycamores on private property that are 9.5 inches or larger in circumference (measured 4.5 feet above ground).

Trees of any species that qualify as “Heritage” (90 inches or larger in circumference).

Permit and Arborist Verification Required:

For any activity beyond “minor pruning” (such as Major Pruning, which is generally cutting more than 20% of the canopy or a limb over a certain size), a Ministerial Tree Permit is required.

Obtaining this permit generally requires an Arborist Verification form, which is a targeted technical evaluation.

The ISA Standard is Mandatory:

The Ventura County ordinance explicitly states that even when modest pruning occurs without a permit, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) pruning practices must always be used to protect the tree’s health.

For major pruning that requires a permit, the permit will only be issued if an arborist determines the pruning is needed to support the health of the tree.

In Oak Park, just like its neighboring cities, the presence of mature oak trees means that the most responsible approach is to hire a professional with a certified, science-based understanding of tree biology. A Certified Arborist is the only reliable choice to ensure:

The health of the tree is maintained.

The work complies with the Ventura County regulations.

You avoid the significant cost and legal trouble that results from damaging a protected tree.

Read About Bob Loft, ISA Certified Arborist, here.