A street tree is a tree whose trunk is within the City right-of-way. This is the area starting from the face of the curb and extending about 11 feet into a property. Measurements can vary depending on the size of the street.

In many older neighborhoods, the street tree is in a patch of land between the curb and the sidewalk. In newer neighborhoods, the curb, gutter and sidewalk are all one piece. There street trees are located on the residence side of the sidewalk.

A tree in any public green space, such as parks, center medians in roadways and City campuses is a City-maintained “street” tree.

New Street Tree Request

We plant new street trees in the public right-of-way of residential homes, with some exceptions. It is your responsibility to remove concrete in the right-of-way before we plant a new street tree.
For all permitted developments, apply for a Street Tree Work Permit.

Street Tree Planting Request and Agreement

New Street Tree Watering Requirements

Street Tree Care or Removal

We provide maintenance services for about 40,000 street trees. We prune the street trees to keep them structurally sound. We will only remove trees that are dead, dying, damaged or present a hazard. As a property owner, you can apply for a work permit to have your street tree removed and replaced at your expense.

As a resident, you need to clear any tree debris in the right-of-way and water your trees as needed.

Work you can do without a permit:
You can prune low-growing limbs or brush on street trees from the ground. You must use non-power hand tools. You may trim limbs that are less than 1-inch in diameter.

Obtain a Street Tree Work Permit

Liquidambar Street Tree Removal and Replacement

We have a special program to replace liquidambar street trees. It has annual tree removal limits. Liquidambars produce hard, round, spiny seedpods. These pods create tripping hazards.

All funding for the current and next fiscal year has been used. Applications are received on a first-come, first-served basis until funding limits are reached. The City's fiscal year cycle runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. An application for FY 26/27 will be posted in early July 2025.

Tree Stump Removal

If a stump remains longer than 90 days after we have removed the tree, call 408-730-7506.

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