San Francisco, CA · City and County of San Francisco
Tree removal in San Francisco
Since July 1, 2017, San Francisco Public Works has been responsible for maintaining all of the city's street trees and the sidewalk damage they cause, under Proposition E. Removing a street tree, or a significant or landmark tree on private property, still needs a Public Works permit. Trees in your backyard that aren't significant or landmark trees are yours to manage.
San Francisco voters passed Proposition E in November 2016 with 79 percent of the vote. It moved responsibility for the city's 124,000-plus street trees, and for sidewalk damage they cause, from property owners back to the city, funded at about $19 million a year through the StreetTreeSF program. Public Works prioritizes pruning for safety, structural flaws and clearance from wires, signs, buildings and traffic.
Prop E didn't change the rules for removing trees. Under Public Works Code Section 810, San Francisco has two special protection classes, significant trees and landmark trees, and removing one of those, or any street tree, needs a permit. Many of the city's large trees are Monterey cypress, Monterey pine and eucalyptus planted a century ago, now old and prone to limb failure in winter storms.
Reviewed and updated
Street trees, protections and aging plantings
City-maintained street trees
Public Works has maintained all street trees since July 2017 (Prop E).
Significant and landmark trees
Special protections under Public Works Code Section 810.
Aging plantings
Century-old Monterey cypress, pines and eucalyptus drop limbs and fail.
Winter storms
Atmospheric rivers and wind topple big trees on saturated soil.
Cypress, pines, eucalyptus and street trees
- Monterey cypress
- Massive, aging trees; limb failure
- Monterey pine
- Old plantings; pitch canker and decline
- Blue gum eucalyptus
- Large limb drop; bark shedding
- London planetree and brisbane box
- Common street trees
- Coast live oak
- Native; valued
Attached houses and backyard access
Most homes are attached, with small backyards reached only through the house or a narrow side passage. Almost every backyard removal is done by climbers lowering pieces, with wood carried out by hand or lifted over the building by crane.
Prop E and permit rules
- Since July 1, 2017, Public Works has maintained all street trees and the sidewalk damage they cause, under Proposition E.
- Public Works Code Section 810 defines significant trees and landmark trees; removing one, or any street tree, requires a permit.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
What Prop E changed, and what it didn't
Street tree
- Who maintains it
- City (Public Works) since July 2017
- Removal permit
- Yes
Significant tree on private property
- Who maintains it
- Owner
- Removal permit
- Yes
Landmark tree
- Who maintains it
- Owner
- Removal permit
- Yes
Other backyard tree
- Who maintains it
- Owner
- Removal permit
- Generally no
Old trees in a windy city
San Francisco's oldest trees, Monterey cypress, Monterey pine and blue gum eucalyptus, were planted in parks and yards generations ago. Many have heavy, overextended limbs and internal decay. Winter storms bring the failures. An arborist's assessment of big backyard trees, especially over houses, is the best investment before storm season.
San Francisco services
For aging cypress, pines and eucalyptus.
For large backyard trees over houses.
With climbers or cranes over buildings.
For private trees; street trees are the city's.
For permitted removals.
San Francisco tree questions
Who maintains the street tree in front of my San Francisco house?
The city. Since July 1, 2017, Public Works has maintained all street trees under Prop E.
Do I still pay for sidewalk damage from a street tree in San Francisco?
No. Prop E made the city responsible for sidewalk damage caused by street trees.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Francisco?
For a street tree, or a significant or landmark tree on private property, yes, from Public Works. Other backyard trees generally don't.
What is a significant tree in San Francisco?
One of the protection classes in Public Works Code Section 810. Ask Public Works whether a tree near the sidewalk qualifies before removing it.
How do they remove trees from San Francisco backyards?
Usually by climbers lowering pieces, carried out through the house or a side passage, or lifted over the building with a crane.
Why do old cypress and eucalyptus drop limbs?
Many were planted a century ago and are now old and heavy; winter storms and decay cause large limb failures.
Calls are routed to independent local tree-service providers. How calling works
More local guides
Need tree help in San Francisco?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.