INFORMATION TO ENHANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF ALAMEDA’S TREES

Stuff that is good to know:

Street trees are those planted along a public right-of-way, e.g. along the sidewalk or in a median strip.

Alameda’s Public Works Department is charged with the planting, care and maintenance of the City’s public trees. To contact the Public Works Department for information or with concerns regarding Alameda trees, call (510) 747-7900

Frequently asked questions

1. General questions about trees located on planting strips in front of homes or businesses.
2. Maintenance of street trees in planting strips or medians.
3. Problems with Street Trees

Q: Who owns the tree(s) located on the planting strip in front of my house?
A: The City does.

Q: Even if I planted it?
A: Yes (see next Q/A)

Q: Do I need the City’s permission to plant a tree on the planting strip or median strip?
A: Yes

Q: Is the type of tree restricted?
A: The type of tree is determined by the Master Tree Plan, which has specific recommendation for each major street and neighborhood, based on soil conditions, location, environmental characteristics, and other factors.

Q: Who will pay for the tree?
A: The city will provide the tree free of charge when it is replacing a tree that was removed. However, if you wish to have a tree where none existed before, you will be charged a fee. There is often a backlog of planting requests so offering to pay for the tree may get you priority.

Q: If I want to obtain a tree that is larger than the standard 15-gallon tree provided, will the city cooperate? Can I contribute to the purchase?
A: Yes, if the conditions of the site allow it, and the tree’s adaptation will not be compromised. You may have to pay the difference in cost.

Q: If I buy a tree and plant it, does it become the property of the City?
A: Yes

Q: Can I refuse to have the City plant a tree outside my home?
A: Yes

Q: If the City wants to cut down a tree, can I protest the decision? How?
A: The City is required to post notices on street trees proposed for removal, except in the case of emergency removals. These notices provide instruction for protesting the decision. A list of hazardous trees proposed for removal can be obtained from the Public Works Department. (Note: Separate and different procedures apply to certain private trees)

Q: Am I responsible for maintaining a tree, even if I didn’t plant it?
A: You are responsible for appropriate watering, cleaning up dropped leaves, and/or reporting problems to the Public Works Department. The City is responsible for tree trimming and staking.

Q: Can I cut down a tree without the City’s permission?
A: You may NEVER cut down a street tree, even if you deem a situation urgent. You can be prosecuted and fined if you do so. For tree emergencies on weekends, call Alameda Police NON-emergency number, 510-337-8340. On weekdays, call Public Works at 510-749-5860. Certain trees on private property have protected status in Alameda and it is also illegal to cut them down without the City’s permission (e.g. you may not cut down a Coast Live Oak on private property without approval from the City’s Historical Advisory Board.)

Q: Do I need to water the street tree in front of my home/business?
A: Newly planted trees should be given at least 5 gallons (preferably deep-watered) once a week, for at least the first year. Some species will need watering for longer periods.

Q: Where do I get information about watering needs for specific types of trees?
A: You can contact Public Works at 747-7900 and inquire about the specific tree you have, search the web for information, or you can send your question to us through this website and we will try to assist you.

Q: What guidelines are followed by the workers trimming street trees on my street?
A: They are meant to follow trimming specifications attached to their contract with the City. These specifications should conform to the City’s pruning guidelines (copies may be downloaded from this website.) The City uses a competitive process to select pruning contractors. If you know that individuals or firms other than this selected contractor are engaged in this activity, notify the City immediately by calling 747-7900.

Q: If I have concerns about the quality of work or procedures used by the City’s pruning contractors, whom should I contact?
A: The City’s Maintenance Supervisor oversees all pruning. If you believe that the pruning contractors are doing work that is unsafe or are damaging a tree, call the Maintenance Supervisor at 510-747-7900.

Q: Whom do I call if the tree is causing problems with the sidewalk or curb?
A: Call the Public Works Department at 510-749-5860.

Q: If a tree is causing the sidewalk to buckle, is the City responsible or I am liable for any potential injuries?
A: City is definitely responsible but you may also have some liability.

Q: What can I do if street tree roots are damaging my lawn or other landscaping?
A: The best thing to do is to consult a professional arborist. However, you can prevent such problems by avoiding overwatering of your lawn, as it attracts tree roots to it. Low-water landscaping significantly reduces the probability of roots damaging your property.

Q: If the street tree needs attention (e.g. re-staking, protection from car doors, or is in danger of falling) can I act or should I contact the City?
A: You must contact the City at 747-7900.

Q: Can I cut branches off street trees if they are encroaching on my property?
A: You should call the City at 747-7900 to have the tree trimmed. You may also trim branches off street trees with a permit from the Public Works Department.

Q: If a public (e.g. Alameda Municipal Power or East Bay Municipal Water District) or private (e.g. telephone, gas or cable) utility wants to cut branches or disturb a street tree’s root system, can they do so without permission?
A: To do any work that disturbs a street tree, utilities must obtain a permit from the City and should contact the Public Works Department.