Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🌿 Landscaping Rules/Tree Trimming

Tree Trimming: Daly City vs Redwood City

How do tree trimming rules compare between Daly City, CA and Redwood City, CA?

Redwood City has fewer restrictions than Daly City.

Daly City, CA

San Mateo County

Heavy Restrictions

No one may prune, spray, plant, or otherwise work on any public right-of-way or street tree in Daly City without a permit from the Director of Public Works under Municipal Code section 12.40.110. Unauthorized pruning of city trees is billed to the responsible property owner, and topping street trees is unlawful.

View full Daly City rules β†’

Redwood City, CA

San Mateo County

Some Restrictions

Private tree trimming on private property does not require a city permit in Redwood City. Trees near overhead utility lines may require coordination with PG&E. Street trees require city approval before any work.

View full Redwood City rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDaly CityRedwood City
Permit issuerDirector of Public Works-
Applies toTrees in rights-of-way, medians, parks, city easements-
ToppingProhibited (DCMC 12.40.160)-
Unauthorized pruningBilled to responsible property owner-
Private treesOwner must prevent hazards and sight obstructions-
Private Trees-No city permit needed for trimming
Street Trees-City approval required before any work
Utility Lines-Coordinate with PG&E
Contact-Parks Division (650) 780-7000

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Daly City FAQ

Can I trim the city street tree in front of my house in Daly City?

Not without permission. You need written approval from the Public Works Director, and the work generally must be done at your expense by a certified arborist or tree company. Unauthorized pruning of a city tree will be billed to you for all corrective costs.

Who maintains street trees in Daly City?

Daly City maintains the urban forest in city rights-of-way, medians, parks, and city-owned easements, pruning trees as needed for safety, traffic clearance, and utility line hazards. The city is not authorized to maintain trees on private property.

Redwood City FAQ

Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Redwood City?

Private tree trimming on private property does not require a city permit in Redwood City. Trees near overhead utility lines may require coordination with PG&E. Street trees require city approval before any work.

Do I need a permit to trim trees in Redwood City?

Private Trees: No city permit needed for trimming. Street Trees: City approval required before any work. Utility Lines: Coordinate with PG&E. Contact: Parks Division (650) 780-7000.

Compare other topics

See how Daly City and Redwood City compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool