Watsonville, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Planting in the public strip is a permit matter in the City of Watsonville. Section 7-11.03(a) makes it unlawful to plant or set out any street tree on a street without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the Director of Public Works, who holds jurisdiction and supervision over all trees planted or growing on City streets under Section 7-11.02. The application states the number of trees to be planted, the location, grade and variety of each tree, the method of planting, and any other information the Director requires. The Director issues the permit on finding that the proposed planting conforms as to species, location and method of planting established by public improvement standards.

Species choice is tied to a list. An approved street tree is one designated in the current approved street tree list adopted by resolution of the Council, kept on file in the Planning Department and the Public Works Department for public information (7-11.01(d)). An unapproved street tree is any tree planted or growing on a street that is not on the list, or one planted in an improper place, hopelessly infested with disease or insects, or hazardous to public health or safety (7-11.01(e)). Street means all land lying between the boundaries of property abutting public streets, boulevards, alleys and walks (7-11.01(b)). Section 7-11.03(c) allows planting, removal, trimming, spraying and preserving of street trees by City forces under the Director's supervision or by contract with other persons or firms.

Placement continues to matter after the tree is in the ground. Under Section 7-11.04, a tree limb, shrub or plant in the 25 foot triangle of private property at a street intersection that reaches more than 24 inches above the adjacent curb grade is a public nuisance unless the trunk has no limb lower than 8 feet above curb grade, and so is any tree or shrub impairing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, sewers or other public improvements. Nuisance notices give not less than ten days nor more than ninety days to comply (7-11.05), and the Council hears appeals under Chapter 4 of Title 1 (7-11.08).