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Street Trees
The City of San Mateo's Tree Division is responsible for the maintenance, protection and renewal of our City’s valuable tree resource.
Street Trees
The Parks and Recreation Department regulates specific tree work including all work performed on trees located in the public right of way (Street Trees).
Information regarding the Street Tree Planting Program and Commemorative Trees can also be found on this page (scroll down for more).
Protected Trees on Private Property
If you are planning to remove or prune a tree on private property, go to the Community Development Department's, Protected Trees section to complete an application.
- Street Trees
- Protected (Heritage) Trees
- Street Tree Planting Program
- Commemorative Trees
- FAQ's
- Related Documents
Under the direction of City staff, contract crews perform limited maintenance services on the City’s 24,000 street trees.
What is a Street Tree?
A “Street Tree” is a tree that is located within the public right of way. Street Trees planted by the City are eligible for City Maintenance.
The City’s certified arborists will inspect street tree sites if you:
- Believe the street tree in front of your home needs pruning for clearance or another safety issue.
- Question if the street tree is healthy.
- Want to request that the City plant a tree, for free, in front of your home.
“Public Right of Way” refers to either:
- The strip of land between the street and the sidewalk, sometimes called the "planter strip" or "tree lawn.”
- The area just behind the sidewalk if a planter strip does not exist.
*The City only maintains trees in the public right of way that have been planted by the City. Any tree planted in the public right of way without an approved permit will not receive City maintenance services.
Our care for these Street Trees includes:
- Pruning to maintain structural integrity and to avoid branch or trunk failure.
- Removing dead, dying or hazardous trees.
- Providing pest control.
- Responding to emergency situations (downed street trees from storms, etc.).
- Annual Planting Contracts.
Apply for a Street Tree permit. (opens in a new tab)
While trees located on private property are not maintained by the City, the pruning or removal of any Protected/Heritage tree is regulated per the Protected Tree Ordinance (opens in a new tab).
If you are planning to remove or prune a tree on private property, go to the Community Development Department's, Protected Trees section to complete an application.
On occasion, residents may wish to care for the street tree in front of their home, at the resident's expense. Because San Mateo’s Street Trees Ordinance protects all publicly maintained street trees, a permit is required prior to planting, pruning, or removing a tree. This permit is free. Apply for a permit. (opens in a new tab)
Protected (Heritage) Trees Regulations
A permit is required to remove or prune a Protected/Heritage Tree. If you are planning to remove or prune a tree on private property, go to the Community Development Department's, Protected Trees section to complete an application.
Unless you have a permit issued by the City of San Mateo, It is unlawful to:
- Remove a Heritage Tree.
- Prune more than one-quarter of the crown or existing foliage.
- Remove any roots within a distance equal to 6 times the diameter of the trunk.
Heritage Tree Definitions:
- Heritage Trees
- Oak trees with a trunk diameter of 10 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet (54 inches) above ground level.
- Any other tree species with a trunk diameter of 15 inches or more, measured at 4.5 feet (54 inches)
above ground level.
Need help figuring out the diameter of your tree? See our Tree Diameter Measuring Instructions (opens in a new tab)
The City of San Mateo would love to plant a tree in the right of way in front of your home. These street trees are planted at no cost to San Mateo residents.
Free Street Tree Planting Program
The street tree planting season begins in November and ends in March. To request a free street tree, please contact the San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department either by phone or email:
- Phone: 650-522-7420, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Email: trees@cityofsanmateo.org
Please include your name, address and preferred contact info with your request.
Tree planting is a complimentary service offered by the City. In exchange, residents are expected to water their new trees weekly throughout the first two growing seasons.
Tree planting is funded by in-lieu fees collected during the permitting of large construction projects.
Honor a loved one with a dedicated tree in their favorite City of San Mateo Park.
Commemorative trees are available for a donation of $1,000 or more, which includes the tree, commemorative certificate and maintenance of the tree.
Tree species are chosen to ensure that each commemorative tree can thrive in its new location and will complement the design of the requested park. Factors considered by the City Arborist include species hardiness, topography, soil conditions, mature plant size, and donor input. At planting time, trees are about 6 to 8 feet tall and have a trunk diameter of about 2 inches. Studies have shown that trees of this size establish most rapidly in the landscape.
Planting
Tree planting is performed by contractors between October and March. Planting during the cooler, wetter months helps young trees get a strong start in their new environment.
Maintenance
Commemorative trees get the same love and care as all newly planted City trees. If a commemorative tree dies within five years of planting, it will be replaced at no charge.
Recognition
Included with each tree is a commemorative certificate to share with the honoree or their loved ones. Tree locations, honorees, and donors are acknowledged below.
Ceremonies
Parks staff will notify donors once the tree has been planted. At that time, families and donors are welcome to hold a gathering at the tree.
Application Process
Download and complete the Commemorative Tree Application then submit via email to trees@cityofsanmateo.org.
Once your application has been approved, staff will contact you with payment options, available locations and available tree species.
- How do I report a fallen tree or branch?
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- For emergencies, threatening life or property, call 9-11 or the Police Department at (650) 522-7700.
- During normal working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., please call (650) 522-7420.
- After hours, non-emergency, call (650) 522-7300.
- How do I contact the City's arborists?
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During normal business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, please call (650) 522-7420, or by sending an email to trees@cityofsanmateo.org.
If you are planning to remove or prune a tree on private property, go to the Community Development Department's, Protected Trees section to complete an application.
- Do I need a permit to cut down my own tree?
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Possibly, Protected Trees require a removal permit.
If you are planning to remove or prune a tree on private property, go to the Community Development Department's, Protected Trees section to complete an application.
- Will city personnel prune trees on my private property?
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No, it is your responsibility to maintain trees on your property.
- How can I find an Arborist to help me with my private tree?
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- Can I remove the street tree in front of my house and replace it with another tree?
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You must have a permit before removing a Street Tree. There is no cost for this permit although a deposit may be required for a replacement of another tree. Typically, only trees that are dead, dying or structurally unsound are approved for removal with a Street Tree permit.
- Who is responsible for pruning street trees?
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Pruning is based on a maintenance schedule and available resources. If you wish to have a Street Tree pruned before the schedule and/or available resources, you may obtain a free Street Tree permit. Specifications from a licensed and certified tree care service that will be pruning the tree must be provided with application. The city does not reimburse for outside services that a homeowner contracts for.
- Can a tree be topped?
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Tree topping is discouraged by most reputable arborists. While there are exceptions, the city does not encourage tree topping and does not top trees. Learn more about topping and why you should avoid it.
- My remodeling plans require the removal of a tree(s). What is the procedure?
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A permit is required for the removal of any Street Tree or Protected/Heritage Tree. The permit should be coordinated with the building permit and issued prior to any work being done. There are also preservation requirements for Protected Trees near construction areas. Please be sure to have your contractor contact us before beginning any work.
If you are planning to remove or prune a tree on private property, go to the Community Development Department's, Protected Trees section to complete an application.
- I want to plant a tree. Which species should I choose?
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- I received a notification letter and would like to appeal an application. What is the process?
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Following the procedures outlined in S.M.M.C. 13.40.130, any person may request reconsideration of the decisions of the Managing Arborist by submitting an appeal form to the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Any appellants other than the applicant must pay an appeal fee in accordance with the City's master fee schedule. The appeal must be filed with the Director not later than five p.m. of the tenth calendar day after the Managing Arborist's decision. The Director shall review the request and render a decision.
Related Documents
Applications
Educational/Informational Documents
Protected Trees Administrative Guidelines
Street Tree Master Plan
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Street Trees
Physical Address
330 W 20th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: (650) 522-7420Emergency Phone: (650) 522-7350
Hours:
Open for walk-in assistance at City Hall: Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or by appointment from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.