• 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.

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.

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.

No, it is your responsibility to maintain trees on your property.

• Why Hire an Arborist (Trees Are Good)

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Tree Selection Guide (Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute)

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.