Tree Planting Policies

The Bureau of Street Services manages the portion of the urban forest in the public right-of-way of the City of Los Angeles . A large component of sustainable urban forestry is managing a comprehensive tree-planting program.

The Bureau is responsible for determining the proper tree species to be planted, the container size of the tree, and spacing between trees. Bureau forces perform new tree planting and tree removal and replacement. The Bureau also directs and permits developers, non-profit and community groups, and individuals in tree planting projects.

All tree planting requires a no-fee plant permit that is issued by the Bureau. The permit ensures the Bureau may maintain the street tree inventory and manage new tree plantings.

Selecting the proper tree species for a particular location is the most critical factor when planting in the public right-of-way. The size of the tree well or parkway, the presence of utility lines above or below ground, condition of soil, climatic zone, spacing between trees and proximity to buildings all must be taken into account. A Bureau arborist will conduct an on-site inspection and consult with you to determine the proper tree species.

City of Los Angeles street trees shall be planted using the most current industry standards. Newly planted trees must be staked and tied, provided with a watering moat, and properly watered.

To assist your tree-planting project, the Bureau provides a Street Tree Selection Guide that lists one hundred fifty species approved for the public right-of-way. The guide may be accessed on-line at http://bss.lacity.org/UrbanForestryDivision/StreetTreeSelectionGuide.htm or at the Urban Forestry Division public counter, 1149 South Broadway Street, Suite 1000 , Los Angeles , 90012. This list is not all inclusive and other species may be considered.

Fact sheets regarding proper planting, staking and tying, and watering will be provided with the tree planting permit. These fact sheets and other arboricultural information is available on-line or at the Urban Forestry Division public counter.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.