Ficus trees are a common street tree in San Francisco. They are known for their impressive canopy and for decades have served as a showcase species along such streets at Hyde, Lombard and Potrero. However, there are serious issues with ficus trees. Their height, structure, canopy size, pruning history and roots can make them more susceptible to limb failure and/or collapse, putting people and property at risk.
As San Francisco’s ficus trees begin to age, making them more vulnerable to failure, the risks associated with them are beginning to outweigh the benefits they provide.
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| Ficus limbs torn from tree due to competing branch structure. |
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| Ficus with split trunk caused by a limb that fell due to competing branch structure (front and back view). |
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| Additionally, the roots of ficus trees can cause severe damage to sidewalks, making them buckle and creating tripping hazards. The roots also can damage other infrastructure, such as curbs and roads. |
What this all means
In 2014, to address the number of large limb failures that had been occurring with ficus trees, the Director of San Francisco Public Works issued Order No. 183151, “Tree removal criteria for ficus trees (Ficus microcarpa ‘Nitida’)," which eased the removal standards for ficus trees. In accordance with that Director’s Order, and because of the numerous ficus tree failures, Public Works is in the process of identifying specific ficus trees that are vulnerable to failure near schools, senior centers, along highly travelled corridors and on busy street corners.
Ficus trees that are determined to be vulnerable to failure will be posted by Public Works with public notices for removal for a period of 30 days. Any member of the public may protest the removal within that 30-day period. If a protest is received, the matter will be scheduled for a hearing at City Hall at the department's monthly tree removal hearing.
Information about our tree removal permit process is located here.
The removal of ficus trees throughout the City is taking place as individual trees are assessed by a tree care professional and, when warranted, added to the tree-removal queue. We are focusing our resources on the trees determined to be most vulnerable to failure, for example, during high winds and heavy rains or if they are located too close to truck traffic and could fail if hit.
Our aim at Public Works is for San Francisco to have a thriving, robust urban forest. However, while we celebrate the many important benefits that mature trees provide, protecting public safety remains our No. 1 priority.
Areas scheduled for ficus removal*
| Area | Streets | Number of ficus posted for removal | Posting period |
Hayes Valley
| Octavia Street from Hayes to Fulton streets | 28 | January 11, 2019 – February 10, 2019 |
| Hayes Valley | 501 Octavia Street | 1 | January 11, 2019 – February 10, 2019 |
| Lower 24th Street | Mission to Potrero streets | 51 | May 3, 2019 – June 1, 2019 |
*Please note, schedules are estimates and are subject to change for numerous reasons. Please check back periodically as we continue to update information based on the latest data collected in the field.
Hayes Valley Information and Updates
Lower 24th Street Information and Updates
Public Works has been conducting outreach regarding the Lower 24th Street ficus removal and replanting project. Below you will find materials that were shared at each outreach event.
Community Meeting #1 – March 20, 2019 6:30 PM
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Quarterly Meeting
- Flyer (English, Spanish, Chinese)
- ZSFG Community Meeting Agenda
- Lower 24th Street Ficus Trees presentation
Walk-through and Community Meeting #2 - April 22, 2019 6:00 PM
Silverstone Café and Alley Cat Bookstore and Gallery
- Flyer
- Lower 24th Street Ficus Tree Walk Thru Welcome and Notes
- Lower 24th Street Ficus Trees Q&A
- Lower 24th St. Ficus Trees Assessment
- Lower 24th Street Ficus Removal Criteria Examples
- Lower 24th Street Ficus Tree Numbers
Final Lower 24th Street Ficus Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ficus trees are there in San Francisco?
There are more than 7,000 throughout San Francisco.
What makes a ficus tree vulnerable to failure?
Multiple, competing branches are the most common reason. These multiple branches will split apart from each other causing limbs to suddenly fall off the tree.
Additional criteria that can make ficus trees more vulnerable to failure and therefore candidates for removal include:
- The canopy is in decline. This condition is concerning for ficus trees because unlike other tree species, it is difficult to revive and save a ficus canopy when its canopy has begun declining from disease.
| Declining Canopy | Healthy Canopy |
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- The amount of live crown (canopy) given the overall height of the tree is less than 30 percent. While the tree shown below may look healthy, its live crown makes up less than 30 percent of its overall structure. Various past pruning practices have left many ficus trees with a less-than-ideal live crown size. This minimal live crown structure adds weight to the top and increases the likelihood of limbs falling because they are unable to support the weight of the tree.
Will ficus trees that are removed be replaced with new tree species?
Yes. As long as the planting site meets current street tree planting guidelines, doesn't conflict with utilities and has adequate space to grow safely, a new species tree will be replanted at the site of a removed ficus tree. The new tree will be planted as resources allow.
Are ficus trees still allowed to be planted?
Due to the amount of sidewalk damage and other infrastructure damage that is caused by the roots of the species and the species' history of large limb failures, Public Works has not allowed the planting of ficus trees as street trees since the late 1990s. When ficus trees have been approved for removal, different replacement species have been required to be planted by Public Works, the nonprofit Friends of the Urban Forest and private property owners.
Where can I submit my protest to a ficus tree that has been posted for removal in my neighborhood?
A protest to a tree posted for removal may be submitted to the Bureau of Urban Forestry within 30 days of public notification. Appeals may be sent to:
San Francisco Public Works
Bureau of Urban Forestry
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1000 (Map)
San Francisco, CA 94103
628-652-TREE (8733)
urbanforestry@sfdpw.org
