San Leandro, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

SLMC Chapter 5-2 defines 'parkway strip' as 'the area within the public right-of-way lying between the curb and the sidewalk,' and 'street tree' as 'a plant of arborescent form planted and maintained by the City within the public right-of-way.' All street trees are the property of the City. Under SLMC §5-2-215, a private person may undertake the planting of a street tree only upon approval of the Public Works Director, and only if the location, species, and manner of planting are acceptable to the Director. The Director prepares and maintains a list of acceptable species (the Street Tree List) and establishes criteria for location and manner of planting to protect public safety and public/private improvements. Property owners desiring a new street tree may contact the City to request a tree, which the City will plant for a fee set forth in the Master Fee Schedule (currently $210). Any person owning or operating utilities within the public right-of-way must maintain such utilities in a manner to prevent damage to street trees. Pruning of a parkway tree is limited to 25% canopy removal maximum, and tree topping is prohibited under City Tree Maintenance policy. The Tree Master Plan (adopted Jan. 6, 2025) prioritizes parkway planting in historically underserved neighborhoods to address tree-equity gaps and urban heat island effects.