Tree Information (Public Vs. Private Trees)

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

The city presently maintains over 10,000 trees in city right of ways, parks, and open spaces.

Is it a private or city owned tree?

Before you undertake any pruning or cutting of a tree in front of your property, you need to determine if it is a city owned tree or yours. The city has varying right of ways from street to street; sometimes even block to block there is a difference. Here are some simple ways to try and determine if it is a city owned tree or a privately owned one.

  • Is the tree located in the parkway? This is the area between curb and sidewalk. If so it is city owned.
  • If there is no parkway but there is curb and sidewalk, any tree within five feet is usually city owned.
  • If there is no curb or sidewalk, the city could have a right of way of 15 feet or more beyond the roadway.

When in doubt, it is best to call the city to determine if it is a city or a private tree. There are fines for cutting city owned trees. Call (530) 538-2415 for more information.