The Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is responsible for determining street tree species, size, and location in the public right-of-way. For the most part, the planting of street trees is a condition of development and is performed by developers. UFD performs street tree replacement planting when trees die or fail. Over the last five years, UFD has planted an average of 3000 trees annually.

Trees are also planted by individual property owners, neighborhood groups, and non-profit organizations. In fact, anyone may plant a street tree. All street tree plantings do require a no-fee tree planting permit issued by UFD. Permit issuance does require a prior on-site inspection to determine tree species and size and to mark the planting location on the curb.

UFD encourages tree planting and wishes to process your request for a tree planting permit as fast as possible. Our goal is to respond to tree planting permits within three work days.

The information provided on this page is intended to provide you with all the information and tools you may need to go from a planting idea to the properly planted tree in the ground. UFD wants to ensure this all goes well and asks that you contact the Division at the phone number supplied with your permit after the tree planting is complete for a quick follow-up inspection.

UFD hopes this webpage supplies you with all of the information and guidance you will need to successfully complete your street tree planting project. If you need further information please contact the Division at (213) 847-3077.