Frequently Asked Questions
What are the spray paint markings in front of my property?
If you've noticed paint on the sidewalk, it likely means your block is being evaluated for a new street tree.
- White “BUF USA” markings show that a Public Works Urban Forestry Inspector has identified a potential tree planting site.
“BUF” stands for Bureau of Urban Forestry and “USA” stands for Underground Service Alert. Before any digging, we notify utility providers such as PG&E and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission so they can check for buried gas, water, electric or telecommunication lines. It’s the same "call before you dig" (811) process homeowners and contractors use. - Green “CUT” and “PLANT” markings show where we plan to cut a new tree basin into the sidewalk and plant a tree.
Why it matters: Both Public Works and our partner Friends of the Urban Forest are required to submit every planting site for Underground Service Alert review. No digging happens until the site is cleared.
We are planting young trees (saplings), not full-grown trees.
What about overhead or underground utilities like water, electrical and gas lines?
Every potential planting site is reviewed for safety before any digging happens. Our Urban Forestry Inspectors follow professional arboriculture standards and the City's Street Tree Planting Guidelines, which set minimum distances from:
- Underground utilities
- Driveways and curb ramps
- Traffic signs and fire escapes
- Pedestrian and vehicle paths of travel
Before planting, each site is also submitted for Underground Service Alert (USA) review so utility providers can confirm there are no buried lines in the way. See "What are the spray paint markings in front of my property?" for more on that process.
Will I be responsible for taking care of this tree?
No. Public Works maintains street trees from planting through maturity, including repairing any sidewalk damage they cause.
Since 2017, the City has been responsible for its 125,000-plus street trees and the sidewalks around them. Responsibility shifted from property owners to Public Works after San Francisco voters approved StreetTreeSF in 2016. Before then, property owners could be held liable for injuries or damage caused by street trees. Under current City law, they no longer are.
We also plant with the long term in mind. New tree basins span two sidewalk squares instead of one, which gives roots more room and reduces the chance of sidewalk damage. Basins are filled level with the sidewalk to reduce tripping hazards.
Does the City need my permission to plant a tree next to my property?
No. San Francisco Public Works is authorized and required to plant street trees in San Francisco’s public-right-of-way. Property owner permission is not required for tree planting or the creation of new sidewalk tree basins. We send a courtesy notice to property owners before creating a new basin.
I do not want a tree planted in front of my home or business. Can I opt out of a tree planting?
No. Street trees are planted in the public right-of-way, so residents can't opt out of, postpone or defer a planting by Public Works or our grantee partner, Friends of the Urban Forest.
There is no way to opt out of a planting, but you may formally protest it through a public hearing (see below).
How can property owners get involved?
Property owners can help choose a tree. If you have concerns about roots uplifting the sidewalk, tree leaf or fruit drop, allergies or anything else, contact us at UrbanForestry@sfdpw.org before the planting date and we will work with you to select a species from our available inventory. If we do not hear from you, our arborist will select a tree species suited for the location.
Can I appeal or protest this tree planting?
Yes. To protest a planting or request a tree removal, send a written request that includes your address, your reasons and a statement that you are requesting a hearing. Send it by email to urbanforestry@sfdpw.org or by mail to: Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry 49 South Van Ness Suite 300 San Francisco CA 94103
Your request will be placed on a hearing schedule, where you can present your case. However, protesting a planting does not stop the street tree from being planted. If the protest ends up prevailing after the tree is planted, the City will remove the tree and repave the sidewalk at no cost to the resident.
Does filing a protest pause a planting?
No. A protest doesn’t pause or stop a planting, and the tree may go in before your hearing takes place.
Because the planting will move forward either way, we recommend reaching out early to weigh in on the species or basin location while your protest is pending. Contact Public Works at UrbanForestry@sfdpw.org or Friends of the Urban Forest at outreach@fuf.net if they’re doing the planting. If your protest is upheld after the tree is planted, Public Works will remove the tree and restore the sidewalk at no cost to you.
What concerns are generally not grounds for a successful protest?
San Francisco has committed to planting 30,000 new street trees by 2040. Before a site is marked for planting, it’s checked for utilities, required clearances and accessibility. Because of this, protests based on the following concerns are generally not upheld:
- Leaves or debris that need sweeping
- Loss of space currently used for parking, garbage bins, or other personal use
- Blocked views
- Difficulty opening car doors
- Pet waste left in the tree basin by others
If your concern is about the type of tree, contact us about species selection instead (see “What can I do if I have concerns?”).