SERVICES | TREES & LANDSCAPING - TREE MAINTENANCE

The sidewalk, park strip and curb and gutter are all within the street right-of-way. Trees within the public right-of-way in front of the house are called street trees. Street trees are generally located in the park strip, that is, between the curb and sidewalk. In areas where no park strip exists, street trees may be placed three to four feet behind the sidewalk. The San Jose Municipal Code (chapter 13.28) requests that a street tree be planted in front of each new family residence in San Jose and in front of industrial and commercial establishments, as determined by the City's site review process.

By State law and local ordinance, responsibility for care and maintenance of the sidewalk and park strip area, including the street tree, rests with the adjacent property owner. Each species of tree has different soil areas needed for root development. When some tree species are confined by a small soil area, concrete damage can result. The property owner is responsible for the repair of damage caused by any street tree.

Disclosure at Sale of Residential Property
When residential property is sold or transferred within the City of San Jose, the seller is required to disclose to the buyer their compliance with the requirement for street trees using the Tree Disclosure Form.