Fresno, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

FMC § 13-304, Tree Beautification, gives the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Directors control over what gets planted between the curb and the sidewalk. The Director maintains a Master Tree Plan with two lists: a Master Tree List-Parkway for the parkway strip, screened to avoid species that damage concrete or underground utilities, and a broader Master Tree List for public tree easements and other public property. For new development, § 13-304(c) requires at least one tree from a minimum five-gallon container for every lot or parcel, planted at intervals of no more than forty feet, with species chosen based on overhead and underground facilities, sign locations, parkway width and adjacent paving, building setback, soil conditions, and existing landscaping under subsection (b).

A property owner who wants extra trees, or larger trees than the plan calls for, can have them planted by paying the added cost in advance, subject to Director approval. Residential owners also have the option under § 13-304(d) to move the required parkway tree into their front or side yard setback instead, but only by granting the city a public tree easement that lets the Director access, preserve, and if necessary remove the tree, and by agreeing not to remove it without written Director permission and to pay for its installation, irrigation, and maintenance.

Fresno waives tree planting in parkways fronting commercial or industrial property under subsection (e) if the Director finds the owner's proposed or existing landscaping already meets the Master Tree Plan.