Frequently Asked Questions

Tree health and community safety are two key priorities for the City. The following frequently asked questions share resources to the community about trees, the tree protection ordinance and storm related concerns. To that end, the Bay Area has seen unprecedented rain levels and high winds this winter and unfortunately, the saturated soils and high winds contributed to many of the whole tree failures in Palo Alto and other surrounding communities. Many other trees that lost limbs or leaders had been weakened by years of drought and were not robust enough to survive the strong winds.  

The City continues a strong maintenance program for city-maintained trees with this work following arboriculture best practices for tree maintenance. While there is not a specific program to address prevention of private tree failures, education and outreach to tree owners about the best practices for maintaining their trees by organizations such as local tree advocacy organization Canopy, the West Coast Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, CalFire resources, and the California ReLeaf organization remain important resources available to our community. These and other online resources to assist residents are listed at the end of these FAQs.

I am worried a tree is going to fall. What do I do?

The first step is to have the tree inspected by a tree industry professional.  

If the tree is a private tree, consult with a certified arborist or qualified tree care company. If you are having trouble finding one you can contact Canopy (a non-profit that the city partners with) who has a list of local arborists and tree care companies that you can call. 

If the tree is a City tree, call Urban Forestry at (650) 496-5953 or submit a Palo Alto 311 request at www.cityofpaloalto.org/311  

How do I know if a tree is a private tree or City tree?

A tree is considered a City tree (also called a public tree) if it is on public property or within the street right-of-way of a city-maintained roadway. City parks, city buildings and other city facilities make up most of the public property in Palo Alto. Street right-of-way includes median islands, round-a-bouts, sidewalk tree wells and parking strips. Parking strips are planting areas between the sidewalk and the street curb in residential neighborhoods. In neighborhoods without parking strips the right-of-way usually extends several feet into the front yard.  

If you are uncertain if a tree in your yard is a street tree or a private tree you can contact Urban Forestry at (650) 496-5953. 

Can I prune a City tree? 

Public trees are maintained by the Urban Forestry section in-house crews and by City contracted tree trimming companies.  Privately-hired tree service companies or homeowners are not allowed to prune public trees without a permit. To apply for a Tree Permit, fill out and email a Tree Permit application along with an arborist report confirming the reason for the proposed maintenance work.  

Can I plant a tree on the City right-of-way in front of my home?

The Urban Forestry Section plants and maintains trees on City property to sustainably manage Palo Alto’s street tree population. If you would like a street tree in front of your home, call (650) 496-5953 or fill out our online form and a city staff arborist will determine if there is a viable planting site free of utility and hardscape conflicts. We will ask for your commitment to water and monitor the tree for at least five years after planting.

How do I know if my tree is a Protected Tree?

Under our Tree Protection Ordinance many trees are protected from removal without cause. PAMC 8.10.020 describes the specific categories of Protected Trees.

Locally Native Protected Species Trees 

Protected Mature Trees 

  • Any mature tree measuring 15" or more DBH 

  • Invasive species trees and high water use trees are excluded. See our list of excluded trees here: Tree Ordinance Information. 

Designated Trees 

  • Any tree that was designated for protection during review and approval of a completed development project. 

Public Trees / Street Trees 

  • "Public trees" include any tree, in any street, park, or public place in the City of Palo Alto. "Street Tree" refers to the Public Trees located in the City road right of way.  

Heritage Trees 

  • Any heritage tree designated by the City Council. These are specific trees chosen for their historic value or as exemplary examples of their species. Currently there are eight heritage trees in Palo Alto. See the Heritage Tree List. 

Replacement Mitigation Trees 

  • Any replacement mitigation tree or other tree designated to be planted due to the conditions listed in the ordinance. 

Who should I call to inspect my tree?

If the tree is a private tree, consult with a certified arborist or qualified tree care company. If you are having trouble finding one you can contact Canopy who has a list of local arborists and tree care companies that you can call. 

For the following issues, we recommend hiring an Arborist. 

  • Damage to private trees 

  • Fallen private trees (not impacting right of way or utilities) 

  • Rapid change in a private tree (new lean, dying limbs, humped soil away from direction of lean) 

If the tree is a City tree, call Urban Forestry at (650) 496-5953 or submit a Palo Alto 311 request at www.cityofpaloalto.org/311. 

For the following issues, we recommend contacting the City to report the issue. 

  • Damage to a City tree (storm damage, vehicle damage, construction damage) 

  • Rapid change in a City tree (new lean, dying limbs, humped soil away from direction of lean) 

  • A tree blocking sidewalk or street 

  • A tree in contact with electric lines 

  • A tree blocking the flow of a creek 

Will the City come and inspect my private protected tree?

Under most circumstances the answer to this question will be no. Exceptions to this might include situations where a private tree could impact City infrastructure such as utilities, sidewalks, roadways, or storm drains if it were to fail. 

 

How do I remove a protected tree?

PAMC 8.10.050 covers the removal of protected status trees. Allowable reasons for removal and the process required will be determined by the specific situation. Details on the most common situation are shown below. 

Protected Tree Removal in the Absence of Development (residential) 

A Tree Permit is required if a protected tree must be removed from a residential property in the absence of development. Tree Permits are issued by the Urban Forestry Section. The following are the allowable reasons for removal in this situation: 

  • The tree is dead, is hazardous, or constitutes a nuisance under PAMC 8.04.050 

  • The tree is a detriment to, or is crowding, an adjacent protected tree 

  • The tree is impacting the foundation or eaves of a residence or any covered parking required under PAMC Title 18 

To apply for a Tree Permit, fill out and email a Tree Permit application along with an arborist report confirming one or more of the above allowable reasons for removal. 

See our Tree Ordinance Information page for details on tree removal in other situations. 

My arborist says my protected tree is an imminent hazard. Can I remove it?

Yes. If your private protected tree is deemed an imminent hazard by a certified arborist, it may be removed in an emergency without a completed Tree Removal Permit. In these situations, the required 14 day posting period is also waived. A few things to consider for trees in this situation: 

  • Per PAMC 8.10.020 "Hazardous" means an imminent hazard which constitutes a high or extreme threat to the safety of persons or property as defined by American National Standards Institute A300, Part 9. 

  • While submission of an arborist report or tree hazard assessment worksheet is preferred, we understand that response time might be critical. Your arborist should contact Urban Forestry to discuss their imminent hazard finding. Urban Forestry staff may need to quickly meet with the arborist on site to review their findings. Depending on the situation, staff may issue a verbal or written approval to proceed with removal, issue a no-fee Tree Permit, or process an after-the-fact Tree Permit.  

  • If a protected tree is removed as an imminent hazard without prior approval from Urban Forestry, please reach out and provide us with the details. At a minimum, please provide your name, address of the tree, species of the tree, diameter of the tree, and the name of the arborist that declared the tree an imminent hazard. This helps us track the City’s overall tree canopy and allow us to follow-up with any questions we may have.  

Do I need a permit to prune my private protected tree?

No. A permit is not required to maintain your private protected tree. Permission from the City is also not required to maintain your private protected tree.  

Under our Tree Protection Ordinance, owners of private protected trees: 

  • Are required to notify the City via an online form in advance of maintenance (other than that required to remove a dead, diseased, or broken branch or branches). 

  • Must prominently post a physical notice on the property of the maintenance 7 days in advance. Minor maintenance activities such as those required to remove a dead, diseased, or broken branches and emergency hazard abatement are exempt from this noticing requirement. Protected trees less than five years old are also exempt from noticing.   

  • Must follow maintenance standards in the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual. This is intended to prevent things like tree topping or excessive pruning that can permanently damage a tree. 

My protected tree fell in a storm. Will the City come clean it up?

No. Private trees are the responsibility of the property owner. Inspection, care, maintenance, or removal of fallen private trees falls to the owner of the tree, regardless of the tree’s protected status. 

City tree crews or City tree contractors may be called out to clear a fallen private tree from the roadway, sidewalk or from utilities. In these cases, the tree owner is still responsible for the removal of the downed tree. The City is only ensuring that the street, sidewalk and utilities remain safe, accessible and in working order.  

Why isn’t the City responsible for protected trees on private property? 

Private trees are the responsibility of the property owner. Inspection, care, maintenance, or removal of fallen private trees falls to the owner of the tree, regardless of the tree’s protected status. 

I have an issue or concern about my neighbor’s tree, what do I do?

It is suggested that the neighbor be notified, and that some resolution be agreed upon. If an agreement cannot be reached you are entitled to trim branches in any manner you deem necessary on your side of the property line, providing that substantiated damage does not occur to the tree (to which you may be held liable), as provided per California case law. If the tree is a protected tree, the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance applies, prohibiting excessive pruning, topping or unbalancing of the tree. The City will not enter into any dispute between neighbors on this matter.  

If all else fails, the City of Palo Alto participates in a Mediation Program to act as a third party in helping residents and owners with property disputes.  

Palo Alto Mediation Program (Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

Website:           https://www.paloaltomediation.com/ 

Email:               pamediation@housing.org 

Phone:              (650) 856-4062 

My neighbor’s tree fell and damaged my property, what do I do?

It is suggested that the neighbor be notified, and that some resolution be agreed upon. If an agreement cannot be reached, the City participates in a Mediation Program to act as a third party in helping residents and owners with property disputes. The City will not enter into any dispute between neighbors on this matter.  

Palo Alto Mediation Program (Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

Website:           www.paloaltomediation.com 

Email:               pamediation@housing.org 

Phone:              (650) 856-4062 

The City pruned my private tree away from the power lines, why didn’t they prune the rest of the tree?

Private trees are the responsibility of the property owner. Inspection, care, and maintenance of private trees falls to the owner of the tree, regardless of the tree’s protected status or proximity to electric lines. 

Trees and other vegetation growing near electric infrastructure can be problematic. If allowed to contact energized conductors they can cause power outages, damage electrical equipment, or even start fires. While the property owner is ultimately responsible for the maintenance of these private trees, only specially trained tree crews are qualified to trim trees that are close to power lines.  

The State of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires all utilities in the state to maintain vegetation clearance from their electric conductors and related equipment. The City of Palo Alto, as operator of its own electric utility, must follow CPUC rules. To comply with these rules and to deliver safe and reliable power to the residents and businesses of Palo Alto, the City has a Line Clearing Program in place.  

While the City’s Line Clearing Program will regularly inspect and trim trees and other vegetation away from electric infrastructure, the remaining maintenance of these trees is the responsibility of the property owner. City line clearance crews follow tree care industry best practices when pruning trees away from electric lines, utilizing methods such as drop crotch pruning to avoid topped branches and directional pruning to encourage future growth away from the lines. 

Who do I call if a tree is interfering with utility lines?

The Urban Forestry Section works with the City of Palo Alto Utilities to maintain tree clearance from utility power lines and other electric infrastructure (see Line Clearing Program). Communication lines are not cleared. Call (650) 496-5953 so we can inspect the lines. Any pruning needed to maintain clearance from electric infrastructure will be done by the City contractor at no charge to you. 

While the City’s Line Clearing Program will regularly inspect and trim trees and other vegetation away from electric infrastructure, the remaining maintenance of these trees is the responsibility of the property owner.

How can I help my trees recover from storms?

The following provides essential information on assessing and correcting storm damage to private property trees, helping to ensure the safety and resiliency of our neighborhoods and health of trees in our community. 

Assessing Tree Damage: After a storm, it's crucial to assess the damage to trees in your area. Here are some steps to follow: 

  • Safety first: Keep a safe distance from downed trees, broken branches, or hanging limbs. If you see downed power lines, stay back and call 911 to report the situation. 
  • Visual inspection: Examine the tree for broken or damaged limbs, leaning, or uprooted root systems. 
  • Tree condition: Evaluate the overall health of the tree, checking for decay, disease, or other pre-existing conditions that could compromise its stability. 
  • Seek professional help: If you are uncertain about a tree's condition or safety, consult a certified arborist for a comprehensive assessment. 

 

Correcting Tree Damage: Once damage has been assessed, follow these guidelines to correct it safely and effectively: 

  • Pruning: Remove broken, damaged, or hazardous branches using proper pruning techniques. Avoid over-pruning, as it can cause additional stress to the tree. 
  • Structural support: If a tree is leaning or has a weakened structure, cabling or bracing may be necessary to provide support and prevent further damage. Consult with a certified arborist if you suspect your tree requires structural support. 
  • Tree removal: In some cases, tree removal may be the only option for severely damaged or hazardous trees. Always consult a professional for this process. If the damaged tree is a protected status tree, a City of Palo Alto Tree Removal Permit may be required, please notify the Urban Forestry Section at trees@cityofpaloalto.org for more information.  
  • Debris disposal: Properly dispose of fallen branches and debris to ensure the safety of your community and prevent the spread of disease or pests. 

 

Post-Storm Tree Care: To help your private property trees recover, follow these tips: 

  • Watering: Ensure that trees receive adequate water, especially during periods of drought. 
  • Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. 
  • Fertilizing: Consult a professional to determine the appropriate fertilizer and application method for your tree's specific needs. Many trees may not require fertilization. 
  • Monitoring: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of disease, pest infestations, or further damage. 

 

Strengthening Our Urban Forests: To build resilience and mitigate the impact of future storms, consider these strategies: 

  • Diverse species selection: Plant a variety of tree species with different strengths and weaknesses to create a more resilient urban forest. 
  • Proper planting: Plant trees at the correct depth and spacing to promote healthy root development and reduce the risk of storm damage. 
  • Proactive maintenance: Regular pruning and tree care can help prevent storm damage and prolong the life of your trees. 

Why have trees in my neighborhood fallen down this winter? (2023)

Each tree and its growing location are unique and there are many factors that can contribute to whether a tree will survive an extreme weather event. Factors such as soil volume, previous injuries to roots or branches, soil moisture level and overall tree health can all impact a tree’s ability to cope with heavy rains and strong winds. Specific health stressors such as past drought conditions or pests and diseases can impact a tree’s ability to survive storms. Trees can and do adapt to changing environmental conditions but on a slower scale than we do. Quick changes in conditions may be too much, too soon for some trees. Saturated soils from heavy rains followed by high winds have been contributing factors to some of the whole tree failures we have seen this winter. 

The series of storms the Bay Area has seen this winter starting on December 31, 2022 is very unusual, with high rainfall totals and strong winds from non-prevailing directions with little or no time for recovery in between. For perspective, rainfall between December 31, 2022 and March 22, 2023 has resulted in four of the top 20 highest recorded peak flows on the San Francisquito creek. 

Helpful Online Resources

Canopy

West Coast Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture

CalFire resources

California ReLeaf  

Please call (650) 496-5953 if you have any further questions about City-related tree services.

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