Street Tree Planting

Published on January 10, 2025

Individual property owners can apply to have a street tree planted by the City in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property.

Street tree planting is free for residents. Fees for planting will be covered by the City as per Resolution No. 2021-102(PDF, 2MB) .

1. Review the Accepted Street Tree List(PDF, 130KB) and pick out a tree. You can consult the City's Urban Forester regarding a proper species and location.
2. Be sure you have a location suitable for street tree planting or creation of a tree basin. Locations within 3' of utilities, driveways, crosswalks, etc., 5' of a fire hydrant, 25' of an intersection, or locations that already have a tree or other plantings may be rejected.
3. Complete the Street Tree Planting Application(PDF, 723KB) and mail to: Albany Public Works, 540 Cleveland Ave. Albany, CA 94710. Alternately, you can complete the form on your computer, then 'Save as' using your address as the file name (eg., "1000SanPabloAve"), then email it as an attachment to Urban Forestry. Fees have been waived as per Resolution No. 2021-102(PDF, 2MB) .
4. The City will have the tree(s) planted during the proper season and when availability allows. Trees are ordered from a nursery and planted by a tree care contractor on a project basis.
5. Note: Street Tree Planting applications received after October 31st will be considered for the current season's planting project but may need to be added to the next season's planting list.

Once your new Street Tree is planted you agree to:

1. Water the tree according to the instructions(PDF, 317KB) provided by the City.
2. Keep the tree basin free of weeds and well mulched(PDF, 122KB) .
3. Request training, pruning or re-staking of young trees by using our online service request page.
4. Understand the liability issues with trees (Albany Municipal Code 14-1.4: Trees(PDF, 98KB) ).

The City will handle pruning and care of the young street tree. Mature trees are pruned as needed with priority given to emergency and other urgent pruning. This includes pruning for street and pedestrian clearances and visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

For more information, please contact City Arborist/Urban Forester John Hawkridge at urbanforestry@albanyca.org or call Public Works at 510-524-9543.