Landscaping

Please call DOT Dispatch at 408-794-1900 to report any roadway hazards such as: sewer back-ups, storm flooding, missing/damaged traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic signals, and broken tree limbs.

For questions regarding existing Tree and Sidewalk permits, please call 408-794-1901 or email treesandsidewalks@sanjoseca.gov

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Trees

Trees are grouped into the following categories:

Street trees in most residential and commercial areas are maintained by the adjacent property owner.
Street trees within median islands and roadside landscaped areas are maintained by the city.
Trees on public lands, such as parks, trails, libraries, and community centers are maintained by the city.
Trees within private property are maintained by the property owner.
Heritage trees are maintained by the property owner.

Landscaping

Street Landscape includes the following:

Median islands and roadside landscaped areas maintained by the city.
Special Landscape District enhancements.

Street tree permits are required to plant, prune or remove street trees. To request a permit, email treesandsidewalks@sanjoseca.gov. Please include your name, email address, property address, and a brief description of your request.

Maintenance

Roadside landscape and median island landscapes are:

Managed by City crews for irrigation, litter, and weed control.
Responsible for maintaining 233 acres of roadside landscaped areas including:
- Weed control
- Shrub trimming and removal
- Litter and debris pick up
- Complaint handling
- Irrigation damage response

Weeds

Weed control for city owned lands and public right-of-way is managed by city staff.

Special Districts

Landscape Improvements

We establish special landscape districts to maintain public improvements that provide special benefits to the property owners.

Landscape improvements include items such as median islands and roadside landscaped areas with enhanced landscaping, fountains, plazas, and other decorative features in the public right-of-way.
The maintenance costs for enhanced landscape features are funded by an assessment fee on the annual property taxes of the property owners within the district boundaries.

Special Districts

There are two types of special landscape districts:

Community facilities districts (CFD) with additional features, such as lakes, plazas, and pump stations.
Maintenance districts (MD) are composed of enhanced lighting and landscape features.
There are 19 special landscape districts, comprising more than 385 acres of enhanced landscape.
Trees in the special landscape districts are maintained by our Special District staff and include
- Median islands
- Parkstrip plantings
- Roadside landscaped areas
- Pocket parks
- Plazas
- Paseos

Special District Map

Find more information on your Special District by viewing our interactive map.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer

Resources

Tree Policy Manual
Tree Service Companies
San Jose Canopy Study

FAQs

How do I know if I live in a special landscape district?

Refer to the maps and descriptions resource on the special landscape districts section.
Which department do I call regarding a tree concern?
- For trees along the street, contact the Tree and Sidewalk Section at (408) 794-1901.
- For trees on private property, call Planning / Development Services at (408) 535-3555.
- To report problems with trees in one of the city’s parks, call Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services at (408) 793-5510.
Am I responsible for my street tree?

Yes. The San José Municipal Code Section 13.28.400 places responsibility for tree care and maintenance on the adjacent property owner.
How do I know if a tree is a heritage tree?

Visit the Heritage tree page for a list of Heritage trees and a map showing the locations.
Does the tree in front of my house belong to the city or me?

Responsibility for your street tree belongs to you. The street trees in the public right of way may be located in a planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb. Where there is no planting strip (the sidewalk is directly adjacent to the curb), a street tree may be located behind the sidewalk.
How do I report a branch or tree that has fallen and is blocking the street or sidewalk?

Call the Department of Transportation at (408) 794-1900 to report a fallen limb or tree that is blocking a street or sidewalk presenting an immediate hazard.
Will the city prune my street tree for free?

No. The budget situation for the City of San José currently does not provide funding for street tree maintenance unless the work is associated with other projects such as minor pruning for equipment clearance for pavement repair projects. Some special landscape districts include street tree pruning.
What if I can’t afford to have my street tree pruned?

Residents with limited income may qualify for assistance from the city with street tree maintenance. Funding for this program is very limited and property owners must provide documentation (federal or state income tax returns, Social Security statements, etc...) to verify income.
Do I need a permit to prune or remove my street tree?

Yes. Request a permit by calling (408) 794-1901 or by submitting a permit request.
Is there a fee for street tree permits?

No. Fees are not charged for any street tree permits.
What do I do after I finish the tree work?

Return the signed permit when the work is complete, but before the permit expiration date. A final inspection is made to approve the work.
How long does it usually take to get a street tree removal permit?

It takes approximately 30 days to review and process the application. Refer to the Tree Policy Manual and Recommended Best Practices for the details of the street tree removal process.
Do I have to replace my street tree once it is removed?

Yes, if required under the conditions of the permit.
Can I plant a different species than the one listed on my permit?

Yes, if your request is approved.
What do I do if I see illegal tree trimming or removal activities?

For street trees contact the Tree and Sidewalks Section at (408) 794-1901.

For trees on private property, call Code Enforcement at (408) 535-7770.

For trees in city parks, call Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services at (408) 793-5510.
Who do I call for street tree emergencies that occur after regular business hours?

Call (408) 794-1900.
Where can I get a tree to plant?

Street trees are available at local nurseries or through the local nonprofit group, Our City Forest at (408) 998-7337.
How can I get a street tree planted in front of my house?

Call the Tree and Sidewalk Section at (408) 794-1901 for a free street tree planting permit.

More FAQs