Frequently Asked Questions

These questions were answered by Dave Sandage, Palo Alto's former Managing Arborist; he retired in early 2007. The new Managing Arborist is Eric Krebs. Here are the questions he's most often asked--and most often answers.

• When will the City perform my tree work?
• What can the City do to reduce the litter produced by the tree in front of my house?
• A street tree's roots are ruining my lawn or garden; will the City take care of this?
• A street tree's roots have broken my driveway or the sidewalk or are threatening my foundation; what can be done?
• Street trees are blocking the sun; how can I get more sun on my lawn?
• What about sap drips on my walk or car?
• Will the City get rid of the insects infesting my street tree?
• May I ask for a city tree to be planted in front of my house?
• Can I move or remove a City tree for a new driveway, walkway, utility, or streetlight?
• My private or City-owned tree is growing into the overhead utility wires; will the City trim the tree?
• Can I hire someone to work on a City-owned tree?
• My neighbor's tree is causing me problems; what can I do about it?

Dave Dockter, Managing Arborist for the City of Palo Alto and author of the Tree Technical Manual, is in charge of making sure we maintain the Heritage Trees in Palo Alto. If you have questions about Heritage Trees or trees on a neighboring property, this is a good place to start.

Private Trees

• What type of trees are ‘Protected’ in Palo Alto
• Do I need a permit to prune one of the protected trees on my property?
• In which cases may I be allowed to remove a protected tree located on a single-family residential lot?
• I wish to remove a protected tree. What is the process?
• Would someone from the city come out and take a look at my sick tree?
• There is a city tree that is sick or needs pruning.
• I have an Elm tree that has been diagnosed with Dutch Elm Desease. Does the City or the County get involved with this?
• I am planning to buy a property or rebuild/improve my home. There are Protected Trees on the lot. How does this affect me?
• I have a tree that is starting to interfere with the power lines. What can be done?

  Neighboring Trees

• My neighbor has a non-protected tree that overhangs my yard. What can I do about this?
• My neighbor has a protected tree that overhangs my yard. What can I do about this?
• My neighbor’s tree is damaging my property. What can I do?
• Who would pay, if I had a professional come and do it?
• There is a tree growing on our property line with the neighbor. Who’s tree is it, and who is responsible for that tree if it causes problems?