Question 1

Who can plant a tree on the sidewalk?

Accepted Answer

Planting a tree on the sidewalk requires a permit from Public Works. Residents or community organizations can plant a tree as long as they obtain a permit and plant a tree species approved by the Bureau of Urban Forestry.

Question 2

Do residents have to give their permission for the City to grant the permit to plant a tree on the sidewalk?

Accepted Answer

No. Public Works give permits for planting trees on the sidewalk, and the City intends to plant trees in all viable sites in order to meet climate-resilient goals.     In 2016, the city’s voters decided with Prop E that the City will manage all street trees, moving the ownership of street trees from the homeowner to the City.

Question 3

Who is going to take care of this tree?

Accepted Answer

We will plant the tree for free and prune it for the first three years; Public Works will water once a week during that time. You can even come out for one of our Tree Care events to learn more and help out!  After the first three years, the city is legally obliged to care for your tree, including pruning it every 3-5 years.

Question 4

I’m concerned that trash and dog poop will end up in my tree basin.

Accepted Answer

Generally, tree basins that are cared for don’t attract trash. When we plant the tree, we cover it in a 3” layer of mulch which looks nice and keeps the soil moist. After the first year you may plant small non-aggressive annuals such as strawberry, small succulents, and native flowers.

Question 5

I’m worried that the tree could crack my sidewalk and I will have to pay.

Accepted Answer

We try to minimize sidewalk damage by planting trees that do not have aggressive root systems. We also water trees regularly in the first three years to encourage roots to grow downward. In 2016 San Francisco residents voted for Street Tree SF, which shifted responsibility for the care and repair of street trees from property owners to the city. The city is now responsible for sidewalk damage caused by street trees. You will not have to pay or be held liable.

Question 6

I rent my house and would need my landlord’s permission.

Accepted Answer

Since the sidewalk is city property and the city has given us permission, we don’t need your landlord’s permission to plant a tree. If you would like a tree, we can plant one or you can have your landlord call us for more information about getting a tree.

Question 7

What kinds of trees do you plant?

Accepted Answer

Tree species selection is per site/project. Most neighborhoods will have a general list, and then narrow it down with the information specific planting site

Question 8

Will the tree roots grow into my underground utility lines?

Accepted Answer

We maintain a minimum distance from utility lines, which we have marked out and delineated so we know where they run. Tree roots grow where water is available - in cases where they interfere with utilities, it’s often initially caused by a leaking pipe, and the roots follow the water into the pipe.  Proper slow drip “deep watering” is provided to mitigate this risk to encourage the roots to follow the water down to the natural water table. Here’s how we make sure to avoid this issue:  Here’s how we make sure to avoid this issue: Utility Check: We work with utility providers to identify the location of underground communication, electric, and gas utilities so we can avoid them.  There are no records for sewer line markings, but we always identify the sewer vent before approving a tree location.  Without locating the sewer, we do not plant trees. Basin Placement: Trees are planted at least 3 feet away from communication, electric, and gas lines and at least 5 feet away from sewers. If a sewer vent cannot be located, a tree will not be planted unless the tree is a request and there is a vent perhaps hidden in the garage. Deep root watering: Slow drip watering (from our water bags) allows water to penetrate slowly into the soil and encourages roots to grow deep rather than horizontally, increasing the potential of roots getting into the sewer. Sewer lines: A tree will find the leak if the property has a leaking pipe. In most cases, roots grow into the pipe unless there is an existing opening or water is emitted. Soil Compaction: When trees are planted, they are done so where the soil is augered/loosened straight down. The soil compaction around the augered zone means roots are discouraged from growing into the area.

Question 9

What can I do if I do not want you to plant a tree?

Accepted Answer

If, after reading the FAQs, you still have concerns, please fill out this form.  The city intends to plant street trees in all possible sites in order to meet climate resilient goals. Completing the form may result in delaying the planting for a year or so.

Question 10

Who waters the trees after they are planted?

Accepted Answer

Almost all the trees we plant are watered by the Department of Public Works for three years after they are planted, using the green, slow-draining water bags we provide. The frequency of watering depends on the district, and is often every few weeks. You may not notice the bags being filled, as crews may come in the early morning - just know if the tree is alive, it’s being watered! If you are concerned that multiple blocks in a district have young trees that seem to lack water, please contact Public Works via 311 with your concern.

Question 11

How are the trees being watered?

Accepted Answer

Our young trees are installed with a green 15 gallon water bag attached to one of the wooden support stakes. There is an opening at the top of the watering bag near the handles where a hose is inserted to fill the bag. The water should drain slowly out of the bag over a few hours through 2-3 tiny holes at the bottom of the bag near the seam. These fast-filling, slow-draining bags are useful for young trees’ root establishment, reducing soil erosion, preventing over-watering, and watering crew efficiency.   Here’s a how-to video for instruction on how to use a water bag.

Question 12

Water bag not draining or draining too fast?

Accepted Answer

Bag not draining? You can easily poke a few more small holes near the bottom of the bag with a push pin or a safety pin. It helps to do this when the bag is full, and to not make the holes too big so that the water can drain slowly, like a drip irrigation system.   Bag draining too fast? If the holes are too large, you can tape them using duct tape. Just make sure the bag is dry before applying the tape. Also, some holes can be plugged effectively with tanbark or sticks.

Question 13

What should I do if I notice the water bag is damaged?

Accepted Answer

Need a replacement bag? The quickest option is to visit a local garden or hardware stores; many have water bags (or ‘gator’ bags) available for purchase. Find a video about how to install them here.   If this is not an option that makes sense for your situation, we invite you to request a bag through our Tree Care Request Form and send us some photos. We will install a used, functioning water bag when we are next in your neighborhood (wait time- within a few weeks).

Question 14

How much water does a young tree need?

Accepted Answer

The standard recommendation for young trees is to water 15-20 gal per week, which would mean filling a water bag once per week until it's about 3 years old.   Sandy soils, hot weather, infrequent rainfall, and strong winds that can be common here in the City are all reasons that a young tree would benefit from more water. Even in the rainy months, the 3x3ft basins will get approximately 5 gallons of water per 1 inch of rain, which often does not add up to the recommended 15 gallons a week. Adding extra water to the watering bag or directly to the soil once a week is a great way to help the tree establish a deep and stable root system.   Just be sure that enough water is applied at a time so that the soil is moist a few inches below the ground (deep watering = deep roots), and that the soil has time to dry before you water again (watery swamp = root rot diseases).

Question 15

What about older trees? How much water do they need?

Accepted Answer

After trees are in the ground for 3 years, weekly watering is generally no longer needed, and the water bag may no longer be as effective. Trees at this stage can benefit from a periodic deep soak (which you can do with a hose or a bucket a few times a year), so that water continues to reach far down into the root system, which at maturity is often between 1 to 2 ft below the ground.

Question 16

I want to report a street tree that needs attention. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the tree has been planted by us, is young enough to be part of our Tree Care Program, and is small enough for our team to help.  How do I know who planted the tree and if it is part of your Tree Care Program? Our Tree Care Request Form guides you through questions and photos to help you figure that out and know who to contact.  No, if the tree was planted by the City, or has outgrown our FUF Tree Care Program. In both of these cases, the City’s Street Tree SF Program is here to help. Please contact them via the information below: Urgent Maintenance Requests: Contact 311 via phone (dial 311 from a 415 area code), app, or submit an online form.  General pruning, permitting, or other regulatory requests: Contact the Bureau of Urban Forestry via email or phone (628-652-8733).

Question 17

I want to remove or replace a street tree near my residence. Who do I contact?

Accepted Answer

What you should know: Street trees are protected from injury and removal by the City’s Public Works Code Article 16. Thus, a City order or permit is required for removal.  Requests for removing a street tree that presents an immediate safety concern can be made through the City Department of Public Works. For all other removal requests, including construction-related requests, learn more about the process and documents here.

Question 18

I see a mature street tree that could use a professional pruning or health assessment. Do you have any recommendations?

Accepted Answer

What you should know:  The City is responsible for street tree maintenance, including scheduled pruning, through the Street Tree SF Program. This includes trees planted by us after they outgrow our Tree Care Program. We do not have the resources or authority to advise on mature tree care or perform pest management internally. We are, however, happy to provide external resources below.  If you would looking for arborists or landscapers to consult with, here are some listed on our website. Please start with requesting a permit from the city.   Looking to do your own research, or a little DIY care?  Check out our useful links page Look for reliable resources on Integrated Pest Management website. Some common issues in the City: aphids, powdery mildew.  Get the advice of a Master Gardener.

Question 19

Can I request a replacement for a tree that’s not doing too well?

Accepted Answer

We do not honor requests to replace a tree that is slow-growing or in bad health. Street trees are protected under City ordinance, and our focus as a program is to making best use of our resources to help the trees we plant thrive for years to come.   We welcome you to request a health assessment or visit from our team via our Tree Care request form.    If it is a tree we did not plant, please reach out to the city for tree maintenance  or call 311.

Question 20

I live in San Francisco, and I’d like to plant a sidewalk tree. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

If you fall within the green zones of our funding map, you can submit your interest for a tree by Friends of the Urban Forest at our community tree plantings. The Bureau of Urban Forestry might have plans to plant sidewalk trees in your neighborhood. The Bureau of Urban Forestry can be contacted by phone at 628-652-TREE (8733) or by email at urbanforestry@sfdpw.org. You can plant on your own! We have put together a Helpful Guide on our website.

Question 21

How can I request a tree?

Accepted Answer

1. FIND OUT WHERE WE PLANT
This map displays the neighborhoods we currently plant in.     2. REQUEST A TREE We plan our planting projects based on interest in a neighborhood. If you live in our priority planting zones and would like a tree adjacent to your home or business, pleas complete the Tree Interest Form.

Question 22

I got a flyer/postcard informing me that you are planting a tree near me. Where can I learn more about it?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve recently gotten a flyer or postcard from us or seen us on your block, please visit this Block Planting FAQ to learn more about our work and what to expect in the coming weeks.

Question 23

I requested a tree but I haven't received one. Why?

Accepted Answer

One of two main reason:  1. It's likely that your request for a tree does not fall under the areas we currently plant in. Our tree planting efforts are focussed in neighborhoods that have the lowest tree canopy as we want trees to be equitably distributed in all of San Francisco.   2. If your request is in a neighborhood we plant in, then ask your neighbors to complete the Tree Request Form. The more interest we see in a block, the sooner we start planning a block planting in the area. It takes us 4 to 6 months to plan a block planting .

Question 24

You planted trees in my block, but not in front of my house. Why?

Accepted Answer

When we survey the sites, we note site conditions, look out for utility lines (gas, electricity, water), and adhere to city guidelines (distance high voltage lines, stop signs, etc). If it is not safe to plant a tree, we will not plant one.

Question 25

If you are unable to plant or prune my tree, what are my options?

Accepted Answer

You can plant or prune a tree on your own. Please start with requesting a permit from the city.   Here is a tree planting and care guide our staff has put together.   If you would looking for arborists or landscapers to consult with, here are some listed on our website.

Question 26

Who is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of sidewalk trees?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, the City is now responsible for all sidewalk trees through the StreetTreeSF program (here is a link to their FAQ page).  As City Code Guidelines for tree planting evolve, not every basin is replantable. You can find some general information about spacing requirements linked here. The Bureau of Urban Forestry will be able to tell you definitively if your basin is still plantable.

Question 27

How do you decide tree basin size?

Accepted Answer

We cut concrete for tree basins with two factors in mind:  Healthy Trees: Larger cuts allow for more space for trees to grow, allow more water to drain off  the sidewalk into the tree basin (more water for the tree, less water for PUC to treat, less cost to SF taxpayers, less untreated waste getting flushed into the bay/ocean during storm events), allows for more oxygen exchange with the atmosphere.  The Safest Sidewalk: The safest sidewalk is a flat, undamaged sidewalk.  Concrete damage from street trees is largely correlated to the size of the tree basin.  By giving the tree a larger cutout, we reduce the likelihood of that tree damaging or uplifting the sidewalk, and thus ensure a smooth, flat, unhindered path of travel for pedestrians.    Our basin sizes are approved by Public Works and follow all relevant city code & ADA requirements for path of travel.

Question 28

Do you plant trees in empty basins?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can plant a new tree in an empty basin the next time we are planting in that neighborhood. Please fill out our Tree Request Form.

Question 29

I want to remove or replace a street tree near my residence. Who do I contact?

Accepted Answer

Street trees are protected from injury and removal by the City’s Public Works Code Article 16. Thus, a City order or permit is required for removal.

Question 30

Can I request a new tree or a different species for a tree you planted?

Accepted Answer

We do not honor requests to replace a tree that is slow-growing, or in bad health, as street trees are protected under City ordinance, and our focus as a program is to making best use of our resources to help the trees we plant thrive for years to come.   We welcome you to request a health assessment or visit from our team via our Tree Care Request Form.