Tree Root Damage

Overview

San Mateo is home to many mature trees lining our streets and this is one feature of our city our residents love. We take care of our suburban forest canopy and add 200-250 new trees to the city each year. While trees are beautiful, providing shade and an attractive streetscape, they can also cause sidewalk issues.

We want to maintain our forest canopy and the safety of our sidewalks and we try to find ways to save the tree while repairing the sidewalk.

Regardless of who planted the trees, you are responsible for the safety of your sidewalk. We can provide assistance for trees in the public right-of-way (the sidewalk).

Example - Sidewalk Defect - Tree

Damage from Trees on Private Property

If the damage to the sidewalk is caused by the roots from a tree planted by the property owner off the “public right-of-way” (in the front yard, for example), the property owner is 100% responsible for the repairs to the sidewalk, per San Mateo Municipal Code 17.24.

A permit is required to remove any roots within six times the trunk diameter of a Heritage Tree.

Please visit Heritage Tree and Street Trees Permitting for more information.