As a homeowner in San Francisco, you are legally responsible for the routine maintenance of all street trees fronting your property. If you do not properly maintain these trees, the Department of Public Works (DPW) may step in to perform the necessary work. However, they will bill the responsible party — you — for the service, so it’s wise to be proactive in trimming your branches and not wait for the City.

Also, you should be aware that your homeowner’s obligations do not extend to the right to plant or remove a street tree without first obtaining a permit. Call the DPW’s Bureau of Urban Forestry at (415) 641-2676 for more information or visit them online to download applications for planting or removal. In addition, you’ll find details on application fees and procedures.
 
Some trees in the City are the responsibility of the DPW directly. If you have a question about whether or not the City is accountable for a particular tree, consult the DPW’s Web site which lists the locations of all street trees under the agency’s care.

Finally, if you see any trees in need of maintenance, particularly ones creating a hazard, call the DPW's Bureau of Urban Forestry at 311. If the situation is urgent, they can perform emergency tree services. However, if the problem lies with a neighbor’s street tree and the matter is just one of routine maintenance, you might first want to have a polite talk with him or her about the issue; it’s likely he or she is simply unaware of the law.

For more information on street trees in San Francisco, visit the Web sites for the San Francisco Urban Forestry Council and Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF).