The Beautification team is primarily responsible for city-maintained landscaping, typically in street medians and at the borders of residential developments. This includes installing new landscaping, trimming trees, helping to clear downed trees, and related activities.

Beautification also maintains regulations for backflow testing at certain locations – ensuring that the water supply remains clean and safe for all.

To report a concern/issue please contact:

Landscaping@cityoflancasterca.gov or leave a message on our hotline at 661.723.6285.

YardSmart Lancaster is a City beautification program that provides grant funding to help property owners replace water-intensive front-yard turf with drought-tolerant, low-maintenance landscaping. By focusing improvements in priority neighborhoods and partnering with property owners, the program enhances curb appeal, supports water conservation, and strengthens Lancaster’s neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Which landscaped areas are maintained by the city?

With tax funding from a Landscape Maintenance District (LMD), the city is able to maintain landscaping surrounding a given residential development. Residential property owners are responsible for the maintenance of landscaping on and in front of their own properties.

The city also maintains most street medians and public landscaping. Maintenance of commercial and industrial property is the responsibility of the immediate property owners. Any other trees or landscaped areas are likely private, which are the property owner’s responsibility to maintain.

No permit is required to trim a tree on private property. However, this does not apply to Joshua trees, which are protected by state law. Contact Planning for more information on Joshua trees.