When George and I bought our home in 1993 there were a couple of trees in the middle of our back yard, one bore delicious apples, but it was either the trees or no pool.  We tried to relocate the trees but apparently it was the wrong time of year and they died; fortunately they weren’t protected or we wouldn’t have the pool.
 
Picture this scenario: You are looking at home in one of Los Angeles’s lovely suburbs and there is a beautiful grassy back yard.  There are a couple of trees in the way but there appears to be more than ample room for a swimming pool and or a sports court.  Depending on the city and the type of trees you could be in for a very nasty surprise.

Los Angeles County (including my stomping grounds of Eagle Rock, Shadow Hills, and some portions of La Crescenta etc,) protects oak, sycamore, California bay and black walnut. 

Oak, sycamore and California bay trees are protected in the city of Glendale and the other portions of La Crescenta.

Oak, sycamore, deodar cedar, Chinese elm and California pepper trees are protected in the neighboring community of La Canada.  

And the community of Pasadena has over 100 protected specimens but at least their web site has photos which may help identify which are which.  

I called the city of Burbank and was told to contact their Forestry Department who advised me that there are no protected trees in Burbank.  I asked in amazement, “I can cut down an oak?” I was told “yes”.

I am a real estate agent, not an arborist.  I am wondering if the next time, one of my home buyers conducts an inspection we should bring an arborist.  When buying a home, don’t take my word for any of this; please conduct your own investigation.