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Camphor Tree
The camphor tree is a large, dense evergreen found throughout older Peninsula neighborhoods, particularly in Burlingame, San Mateo, and Redwood City. While beautiful when young, these trees become massive and develop aggressive root systems that crack foundations, lift sidewalks, and clog sewer lines. Many homeowners inherit camphor trees that have outgrown their site.
How to Identify Camphor Tree
- Leaves are glossy, waxy, oval (2 to 4 inches) with three distinct veins running from the base
- Crushed leaves and twigs release a strong camphor scent, the most reliable ID method
- Bark is deeply furrowed and rough on mature trees, gray-brown
- Small clusters of tiny yellowish flowers in spring, followed by black berry-like fruits
- Massive spreading canopy creates very dense shade underneath
- Trunk becomes thick and buttressed with age, often 3 to 5 feet in diameter on old specimens
Where It Grows in the Bay Area
Common in older neighborhoods on the Peninsula, especially Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, and San Carlos. Also found in Palo Alto older residential areas and scattered through Oakland flatlands. Particularly common in neighborhoods developed in the 1940s to 1960s when camphor was a popular landscaping choice.
Common Issues & Diseases
Camphor tree roots are among the most destructive of any Bay Area species. They crack foundations, lift sidewalks, invade sewer lines, and surface aggressively. Root damage often extends 40 to 60 feet from the trunk. This is the primary reason camphor trees are removed.
Birds spread the berry-like fruits widely. Seedlings appear in gardens, gutters, and natural areas throughout the year. Listed as invasive by Cal-IPC in some parts of California. Self-seeds prolifically in frost-free coastal areas.
Most camphor trees outgrow residential lots within 20 to 30 years. A mature camphor can have a 60-foot canopy spread and 5-foot diameter trunk, far too large for typical setbacks. Heavy shade kills lawns and understory plants.
Mature camphor trees are prone to sudden branch drop in hot weather, particularly limbs growing over structures. The dense wood is heavy, and large limbs can cause significant property damage when they fail.
Bay Area Care Calendar
Season-by-season care guidance for camphor tree in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Best pruning season. Assess root damage to infrastructure, cracks tend to expand during wet season when soil is saturated. Schedule arborist consultation if removal is being considered.
Heavy berry production and seedling emergence. Pull seedlings early before tap roots establish. Flowering attracts bees, plan any major work before or after bloom period.
Peak branch drop risk during heat waves. Keep clearance over structures and walkways. Do not overwater, established camphor trees need no supplemental irrigation.
Leaf drop is minimal (evergreen) but berries create mess on hardscaping. Good time for structural pruning if winter window is too wet. Assess canopy weight before storm season.
Detailed Notes
Root Damage Assessment
If you see cracked foundations, lifted sidewalks, or slow drains within 40 feet of a camphor tree, the roots are likely the cause. A camera inspection of sewer laterals can confirm root intrusion. Root barriers installed after the fact are rarely effective on mature trees, the root system is already established.
When Removal Makes Sense
Removal is often the best option when: roots have damaged the foundation, sewer line repairs cost more than removal, the tree is within 15 feet of the house, or the canopy is so dense that nothing else grows. Check your city page for removal criteria; documented infrastructure damage supports an application.
Invasive Status
Camphor tree is listed by Cal-IPC as moderately invasive in coastal California. It spreads readily via bird-dispersed fruits and can colonize riparian areas and open spaces. Some Bay Area cities are phasing camphor out of approved street tree lists.
Arborist Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camphor tree invasive in the Bay Area?
Yes, camphor tree is listed as moderately invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) in coastal areas. Birds spread the fruit widely, and seedlings establish easily in gardens, open spaces, and riparian corridors throughout frost-free parts of the Bay Area.
Will camphor tree roots damage my foundation?
Camphor trees have one of the most aggressive root systems of any Bay Area landscape tree. Roots commonly crack foundations, lift sidewalks, and invade sewer lines within a 40 to 60 foot radius. If your camphor tree is within 20 feet of your house, root damage is likely over time.
Can I get a permit to remove a camphor tree?
Camphor is protected by size in most cities, and Santa Clara lists it as a specimen species protected at 12 inches diameter. Approval criteria vary by city; documented infrastructure damage supports an application. Palo Alto, Redwood City and Santa Clara require an arborist report with every removal application. Check your city page before applying.
How do I stop camphor tree seedlings?
Pull seedlings as soon as you spot them, they develop a deep taproot quickly that makes removal difficult after the first year. Reducing fruit production is nearly impossible on a mature tree. Some homeowners use pre-emergent herbicide in garden beds to prevent germination.
Is camphor tree good firewood?
Camphor wood burns with a strong medicinal scent that many people find unpleasant. It is not recommended for indoor fireplaces or cooking. The wood is moderately dense and splits easily, but the camphor oils create excessive creosote buildup in chimneys.
How much does camphor tree removal cost?
Large camphor tree removal typically runs $3,000 to $8,000 in the Bay Area depending on size, access, and proximity to structures. Stump grinding adds $300 to $800. The large trunk diameter and dense wood make camphor among the more expensive species to remove.
Can camphor tree roots be cut without killing the tree?
Minor root pruning (roots under 2 inches) on one side of the tree is usually tolerable. Cutting major structural roots (over 4 inches) risks destabilizing the tree and can trigger rapid decline. Never cut roots on more than one side in the same year.
What should I plant to replace a camphor tree?
Good replacements depend on your goals. For shade: Chinese pistache or zelkova provide similar coverage without aggressive roots. For evergreen screening: podocarpus or southern magnolia. For native options: coast live oak or valley oak in larger lots.
Where to Find Camphor Tree in the Bay Area
City permit guides for areas where camphor tree is common:
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Written by Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A · Updated May 2026
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Where camphor tree is protected: 56 Bay Area cities
39 of 56 jurisdictions regulate camphor tree on private property, each at its own size. The size is measured the way the city's code says (DBH or circumference, at the height shown). Rows come from the same rules the permit checker applies; the city page has the code section and the fee.
| City | Camphor tree | Rule it falls under |
|---|---|---|
| Atherton | Protected at 48″ circumference at 54″ | as "Other qualifying species (outside the main buildable area only)"; outside the main buildable area |
| Belmont | Protected at 14″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other species (large diameter tree)" |
| Belvedere | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Berkeley | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Burlingame | Protected at 44″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Campbell | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Contra Costa County (unincorporated) | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Corte Madera | Protected at 50″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Cupertino | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Danville | Protected at 36″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any single-trunk tree 36" diameter or more (heritage)" |
| Dublin | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| East Palo Alto | Protected at 8″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Fairfax | Protected at 12″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species (every tree 12" circumference / 4" diameter)" |
| Foster City | No private-tree permit | Street and park trees only |
| Fremont | Protected at 18″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Hayward | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Hillsborough | Protected at 18″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Lafayette | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Larkspur | Protected at 50″ circumference at 24″ | as "Any species (heritage tree)" |
| Los Altos | Protected at 12″ DBH at 48″ | as "Any species" |
| Los Altos Hills | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Los Gatos | Protected at 12″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species, developed residential lot"; developed residential |
| Marin County (unincorporated) | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Menlo Park | Protected at 47.1″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| Mill Valley | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Milpitas | Protected at 56″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species, developed residential lot"; developed residential |
| Monte Sereno | Protected at 25″ circumference at 48″ | as "Any other species" |
| Moraga | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Mountain View | Protected at 48″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| Novato | Protected at 24″ DBH at 24″ | as "Any species, native or non-native (heritage tree)" |
| Oakland | Protected at 9″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| Orinda | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Pacifica | Protected at 12″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species (protected tree)" |
| Palo Alto | Protected at 15″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other non-invasive, non-high-water-use species" |
| Piedmont | No private-tree permit | Street and park trees only |
| Pleasant Hill | Protected at 18″ DBH at 54″ | as "Non-native tree (except eucalyptus and palms)" |
| Pleasanton | Protected at 55″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| Portola Valley | Not a listed species | Only the listed species are regulated on private property |
| Redwood City | Protected at 38″ circumference | as "Any species" |
| Ross | Protected at 12.01″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species, single trunk over 12" DBH (improved parcel)" |
| San Anselmo | Protected at 22″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species on a developed lot (heritage tree)" |
| San Bruno | Protected at 10″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| San Carlos | Protected at 11″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other non-excluded species (significant tree)" |
| San Francisco | Protected at 12″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| San Jose | Protected at 38″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| San Mateo | Protected at 15″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| San Mateo County (unincorporated) | Protected at 12.1″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| San Rafael | No private-tree permit | Street and park trees only |
| Santa Clara | Protected at 12″ DBH at 54″ | as "Specimen species (CA buckeye, big leaf maple, deodar cedar, blue Atlas cedar, camphor, western sycamore, native oaks, coast redwood, bay laurel)" |
| Saratoga | Protected at 10″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| Sausalito | Protected at 10″ DBH at 54″ | as "Any other species on developed private property (heritage tree)" |
| South San Francisco | Protected at 48″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any other species" |
| Sunnyvale | Protected at 38″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Tiburon | Protected at 60″ circumference at 24″ | as "Any species (heritage size)" |
| Walnut Creek | Protected at 28″ circumference at 54″ | as "Any species" |
| Woodside | Protected at 36″ circumference at 48″ | as "Any other species" |
Street trees, city-designated heritage trees and trees required by a development approval are protected at any size in every city. Dead or hazardous trees still need the permit unless the city page says otherwise.