Street Tree SF - Frequently Asked Questions

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What is StreetTreeSF?

StreetTreeSF is the citywide street tree maintenance program managed by San Francisco Public Works.

How did StreetTreeSF come about?

San Francisco approved Proposition E in November 2016 with 79 percent support, amending the City Charter to transfer responsibility for the care of the City’s 124,000-plus trees and surrounding sidewalks from property owners to Public Works. The transformative ballot measure took effect July 1, 2017.

Where does the funding for StreetTreeSF come from?

Voters approved a $19 million annual set-aside in the City’s General Fund, adjusted annually based on City revenues, to fund StreetTreeSF. To ensure transparency and accountability, Public Works will issue annual reports on how StreetTreeSF funding was spent and what work was completed during the prior year.

When will my tree be pruned?

Since StreetTreeSF went into effect on July 1, 2017, we have been working on the worst first. The pruning of the most problematic street trees is prioritized based on safety considerations, to correct structural flaws and to gain necessary clearances for overhead wires, traffic signs and signals, adjacent buildings and traffic flow. Trees that do not pose safety concerns also continue to be pruned by tree crews. You can find out when nearby street trees will be pruned by visiting www.sfpublicworks.org/trees.

How often will my tree be pruned?

The City is currently assessing the data from a recently completed street tree census to populate the City’s routine tree pruning schedule. Once this schedule is established, trees will be pruned on a three- to five-year pruning cycle, based on the species and needs of each individual tree. Tree pruning has already begun in areas where there are trees in high need of maintenance.

If I want to continue to prune my tree, can I opt out?

Yes. As long as you are caring for your tree according to City standards, you can opt out. Contact the San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry at 628-652-TREE (8733) or www.sfpublicworks.org/trees.

Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?

Yes. If a street tree is in poor health or structurally unsound, the City will remove the tree after following the public notification process.  If you wish to remove a street tree for another reason, you can apply for a permit and go through the City’s tree-removal permitting process. Apply for a street tree removal permit here.

Do I still need a permit to plant a street tree?

Yes. You still need a permit to plant a street tree in the public right of way. Apply for a permit to plant a street tree here.

Does StreetTreeSF pay for street tree planting?

No. Funding for StreetTreeSF only covers street tree and sidewalk maintenance.  However, Public Works will continue to work with outside partners, including Friends of the Urban Forest, to ensure that replacement street trees are planted and the City can grow the street tree population by 50 percent over 20 years.

Will I still be responsible for my sidewalk? 

Yes and no. Property owners are still responsible for sidewalk damage that is not caused by street trees, but the City will be responsible for any street tree-related sidewalk damage. 

Note:  Property owners remain liable for sidewalk damage caused by street trees if the damage existed prior to July 1, 2017.

As a part of StreetTreeSF, the City is repairing sidewalks with severe damage and walkways in heavily traveled corridors to reduce tripping hazards. However, as there are more than 31,000 sidewalk sites in need of repair, it may take several years for the City to repair your sidewalk.

Property owners can choose to repair sidewalk damage caused by trees prior to the City repairing the sidewalk. In the meantime, property owners are liable for any damage or injury resulting from sidewalk damage that existed prior to July 1, 2017.

Is the City going to do all the work with City staff?

No. It is anticipated that about half the work will be performed by certified arborist and cement-work contractors. 

What if I see someone damaging a street tree?

Please call 311, or if you feel the tree is being severely damaged call the police non-emergency line at (415) 553-0123.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about street trees in general, contact the San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry at 628-652-TREE (8733) or visit sfpublicworks.org/trees.