The Department of Transportation (DOT) is now implementing a Free Street Tree Planting Program. This program allows San José property owners to add trees in the public right of way next to their properties. Planting will be handled by City contractors. Property owners are eligible for:

• A free tree
• Planting and staking

Properties located in Community Forest Investment project areas are eligible for three years of establishment services. These services can include watering, stake removal (once the tree is established), and pruning.

Property owners are responsible for watering, upkeep, and costs related to tree care outside of this program.

What Kind of Tree Species Are Allowed?

Property owners may choose the species of tree from a list of approved species. The goal is to plant the most appropriate species for the available space.

Please note:

• DOT arborists will accommodate requests wherever possible
• Fruit trees are not permitted
• Prohibited species include, but are not limited to: crape myrtle, liquidambar, Chinese pistache, maple, palm, and magnolia. DOT will confirm that tree preference is allowed and appropriate.

Who Can Request Tree Planting?

Property owners can request tree planting at their own property. Properties will be inspected by the City's Forestry Team before a tree is planted.

Please note, DOT arborists are required to notify the property owner of any additional required maintenance. And the property owner is responsible for any additional maintenance. Some of these maintenance activities can include clearance pruning, structural pruning, or hazardous tree removal.

Any additional required maintenance for residents in grant funded project areas will be covered by grant funding.

City Goals

• Increase tree canopy coverage across the City
• Meet planting goals set in the Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP)
• Increase urban heat island cooling effects and other environmental benefits on streets and sidewalks for all residents
• Beautify the City of San José

Resources

Check out our Screening Tool to find out if you fall under a grant funded project area.

Funding

Planting within the Community Forest Investment Project area is funded through the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the goal of improving tree canopy across the country.

Planting outside of the grant area is funded through development mitigation fees. Mitigation fees are paid to the city to fund tree planting to replace lost canopy when trees are removed during development projects.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Request a Free Street Tree