Community forest
Advisory Committee

FAQ

Is my tree a city tree or is it my tree?

In the City of Los Angeles, trees, plants and shrubs in streets, parkways and other public ways are planted and maintained by the City of Los Angeles Urban Forestry Division. A premit is required to trim branches or roots of a street tree, or to remove a street tree. Removal is only approved if the tree is dead or dying, or is creating a hazardous condition. If there is any question as to whether your tree is a street tree, contact the Urban Forestry Division at 213.485.5675.

For more in-depth information on Street Tree guidelines, or for any of following questions, we recommend you visit the Urban Forestry Division website:

• What do I do if my parkway tree is dead or diseased?
• What do I do if my parkway tree is in a hazardous condition?
• What do I do if my parkway tree needs pruning?
• How do I obtain a permit to trim my street tree?
• How do I trim a tree properly?
• How do I repair the damage to the sidewalk caused by my street tree?
• I have a protected tree, and would like to trim ir or remove it.
• Which type of trees are approved as street trees?
• When will the Street Tree Department be trimming trees in my area?
• I have question or concerns regarding trimming scheduled on my street.

If you have questions regarding planting, care and maintenance on trees that are not Street Trees, we recommend you contact an arborist certified by the International Society of Aboriculture (ISA). You can search for an ISA certified arborist in your area, and find advice on tree care at the ISA website.

Most arborists charge for their services by the hour. Your local nursery is also a good resource for questions regarding tree types recommended for different planting conditions and care and maintenance for existing trees.

Many other tree question can be answered by the various organizations listed on our links page.