Parkway Planting: Lodi vs Stockton
How do parkway planting rules compare between Lodi, CA and Stockton, CA?
Lodi and Stockton have similar restriction levels.
Lodi, CA
San Joaquin County
Planting in the parkway (strip between curb and sidewalk) requires use of a species from the City's approved street tree list, minimum 15-gallon container, minimum 5'x5' or 4'x6' tree well, and written approval from the Streets Division Supervisor for any non-listed species.
View full Lodi rules →Stockton, CA
San Joaquin County
Planting in a Stockton parkway (the strip between curb and sidewalk), tree well, or other public right-of-way requires a permit from the Director and the species must come from the City's Master Tree List, with sizing matched to the park-strip width or tree-well dimensions.
View full Stockton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lodi | Stockton |
|---|---|---|
| Approved species list | Required — maintained by Public Works (updated 2/12/25) | - |
| Minimum container size | 15 gallon | - |
| Minimum tree well | 25 sq ft (5'x5') or 24 sq ft (4'x6') | - |
| Preferred tree well | 36 sq ft (6'x6') up to 100 sq ft (10'x10') | - |
| Under power lines | Low-growing, 20-40 ft max mature height | - |
| Sidewalk overhead clearance | 10 ft minimum | - |
| Street overhead clearance | 14 ft minimum | - |
| Owner duty | Water newly planted parkway trees | - |
| Parkway planting permit | - | Required (SMC 12.64) |
| Approved species source | - | City of Stockton Master Tree List |
| Small park strip (2-3 ft) | - | Trees under 30 ft mature height |
| Parkway tree ownership | - | City (maintenance shared with adjacent owner) |
| Tree Division phone | - | (209) 937-8341 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lodi FAQ
Can I plant any tree I want in the parkway in front of my house?
No. The species must be on Lodi's approved street tree list, or you must request an alternate in writing and receive written approval from the Streets Division Supervisor. Container size must be at least 15 gallons.
Who waters and maintains the parkway tree once it's planted?
The abutting property owner is responsible for watering newly planted parkway trees (Tree Policy §I). The City handles trimming, spraying, general maintenance, and root surgery on all City trees.
What's the clearance requirement for branches over my sidewalk?
Trees over a public sidewalk must maintain at least 10 feet of overhead clearance, and trees over a street must maintain at least 14 feet. If the City notices a hazard, it can order the trim and bill the cost to the owner if not corrected.
Stockton FAQ
Who is responsible for parkway trees in Stockton — the City or the homeowner?
Trees in park strips (between curb and sidewalk) and in tree wells are the City's responsibility per the Public Works Trees page. However, the City actively encourages adjacent property owners to help by watering and maintaining the tree (which they may do without a permit). Removal and replanting decisions rest with the City.
Can I pick any tree species I want for my parkway?
No. The species must come from the City of Stockton Master Tree List, and the size class must match the parkway width or tree well dimensions. Submit the planting permit application through Community Development.
What if a parkway tree's roots are damaging my sidewalk?
Contact the Stockton Tree Division at (209) 937-8341 or submit a request through Ask Stockton. The City evaluates root-related sidewalk damage and may install root barriers, prune roots, or in some cases remove and replace the tree under SMC 12.64.
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