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Trees

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Tree-lined avenues offer shade during our hot summers, raise property values, and clean our air. That's why so many trees have been planted in the City of Stockton.

Trees planted in park strips (planting area between the curb and sidewalk) or trees planted in tree wells are in the City right-of-way. With a few exceptions, trees planted six feet back from the sidewalk (8-10 feet in some newer subdivisions) are also within the City easement.

Thousands of property owners help by caring for the street trees adjacent to their property. If you are planning to plant a new tree, the City of Stockton requires that the trees planted are on the approved species list.

Citywide Tree Maintenance Project

Safety Pruning and Trimming; Removal of Diseased and Dying Trees and Stumps

The Citywide Tree Maintenance Project will address the needs of City trees, including pruning 23,947 trees along major roadways, clearance trimming at 180 intersections with traffic signals, and removing 165 dead or unhealthy trees and 567 tree stumps. This tree maintenance will take place at locations throughout the city.

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Background

For this project, the Public Works Department will be working with a contracted tree company to address maintenance of trees within the City’s right-of-way.  On November 16, 2021, City Council allocated $500,000 for intersection safety tree trimming. On May 3, 2022, City Council allocated an additional $5 million in funding for tree maintenance.

Project Information

  • Removal of 165 dead and dying trees:
    • Reported by community members & verified by tree specialists.
    • Reduces threat of trees falling.
    • Diseased, infested and structurally unstable trees.
  • Removal of 567 tree stumps:
    • Supports the City’s Clean City initiative.
    • Allows for potential planting of trees in the future.
    • Eliminates blight.
  • Safety tree trimming of nearly 24,000 trees on major high traffic streets (arterials and collectors):
    • Protect the canopy and trees from damage by high-profile vehicles.
    • Improve travel and pedestrian safety by trimming tree branches away from signals/signs.
    • Extend the life of urban forest with much needed maintenance.

Project Locations

Project Funding

  • Citywide Tree Maintenance, Project No. WE22052
  • Intersection Safety Tree Trimming, Project No. WD22018

Questions

For questions, please submit a request through Ask Stockton Citywide Tree Maintenance Project or contact us at (209) 937-8867.

Approver_Tree_StumpRemoval_Website - CopyCity Tree and Stump Removal Project

The City of Stockton plans to remove approximately 435 City trees and 4 City tree stumps in various locations throughout the City in preparation for the upcoming Citywide Sidewalk Repair project (WD22053). Work will begin May 15, 2023.

The work will be performed by the City's contractor, Rancho Tree Service. 

A postcard was mailed to those in areas where trees or stumps will be removed. 

For information, please contact the Municipal Service Center.

Tree Maintenance

Trees located on private property are the property owner's responsibility. To determine if a tree is on private property or in a city right-of-way, please contact the Tree Division. Residents may trim, prune, and maintain trees adjacent to their property in the City right-of-way. 

In some areas, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has a maintenance program that includes trimming trees away from electric utility lines. Please contact PG&E (under External Links below).

Tree Removal

Property owners who wish to remove trees or stumps in the City right-of-way or easements must contact the Community Development Department for permit information and requirements.   

After receipt of the application, Community Development will contact property owners about the tree assessment, approval or denial of a permit, and any mitigation requirements per the Stockton Municipal Code - Street Tree Permit 16.162.

Heritage Oaks

Heritage Oak trees are protected in the City of Stockton. Stockton Municipal Code - Heritage Oak Permit 16.130 governs the removal of Heritage trees regardless of location on a property or condition of the tree(s). To remove a Heritage Oak tree, you must contact the Community Development Department for permit information and requirements. 

Upon receipt of the application, Community Development will evaluate the condition of the tree and grounds for the application to determine whether the tree can be removed. If removal is warranted, the property owner will be notified of the next step. Mitigation is required.

Tree Inventory

The City of Stockton received grant funding from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention to conduct an inventory of its street and park trees. 

External Contacts

Last Update : 03/13/2024, 9:51:21 AM