Street Trees

Street trees are an important part of Turlock's neighborhoods. They provide shade, improve air quality, reduce erosion, support neighborhood character, reduce noise and glare, and help make streets more comfortable for residents and visitors. The City aims to provide clear guidance on tree selection, planting, watering, maintenance, pruning, and replacement.

Quick Links

Street Tree Removal and Pruning Application
City of Turlock Street Tree List
Street Tree Planting, Watering, and Maintenance Guidelines
Turlock Municipal Code Chapter 7-7, Street Trees

FAQs

Who is responsible for the care and maintenance of street trees?

Answer: Property owners are responsible for maintaining street trees in the parkway or planting easement on or adjacent to their property, consistent with Turlock Municipal Code Section 7-7-206. This includes routine care such as watering, pruning, protecting the tree from damage, and addressing unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

If a street tree is dead, dying, hazardous, diseased, or damaging public improvements such as sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or utilities, the property owner should apply for a no-fee Street Tree Permit before removing or replacing the tree.

What is a street tree?

Answer: A street tree is generally a tree planted along the street frontage of a property. Depending on the location, a street tree may be planted.

In the parkway between the curb and sidewalk;
Behind the sidewalk or curb when there is no parkway; or
In a tree well in certain downtown or urban locations

Street tree placement depends on available space, surrounding infrastructure, utilities, driveway locations, street lights, fire hydrants, and other site-specific conditions.

Do I need a permit to remove or prune a street tree?

Answer: A Street Tree Permit is required before removing, pruning, severely pruning, or otherwise altering a street tree, unless an immediate threat to public health and safety exists and City authorization is not practical due to an emergency.
Minor trimming for pedestrian or vehicle clearance may be allowed without a permit when it does not materially alter the tree’s structure or remove more than 10% of live foliage. When in doubt, contact the Municipal Services Department before beginning work.

How do I choose a replacement street tree?

Answer: Replacement street trees must be selected from the City of Turlock Street Tree List unless otherwise approved by the City. The list organizes approved trees by available parkway width and includes information about mature height, width, water use, flowering, fall color, and pest or disease considerations.

Before selecting a tree, property owners should consider:

The available planting space;
Existing street trees on nearby properties;
Nearby sidewalks, curbs, driveways, utilities, street lights, and fire hydrants;
The exact tree species and cultivar listed on the City’s approved list; and
City review and approval through the permit process.

Tree characteristics can vary significantly by cultivar. Property owners should confirm the nursery tag exactly matches the approved tree name before purchasing a tree.

Can I prune my street tree?

Answer: Street tree pruning should focus on tree health, safety, clearance, and natural structure. Street trees shall not be topped, heavily cut back, or pruned simply to reduce leaf cleanup or limit the tree’s size. Improper pruning can permanently damage a tree, increase future maintenance needs, and create safety concerns.
Property owners are strongly encouraged to consult a certified arborist before pruning. A permit may be required.

What are the basic planting requirements?

Answer:Street trees should be planted in a way that supports healthy growth and reduces future conflicts with sidewalks, curbs, driveways, and utilities. The City’s guidelines (above, under “Hyperlinks”) recommend proper planting depth, root barriers near paved surfaces, appropriate staking, mulch, and irrigation that reaches both the surface and deeper root zone.

What if my neighbor's tree hangs over my yard or drops leaves or fruit?

Answer: Disputes between private property owners are generally civil matters. The City does not resolve private disputes about overhanging branches, leaf drop, fruit drop, or similar issues unless there is a separate public safety, right-of-way, or code compliance concern.

What if a tree is near power lines?

Answer: If a tree poses a concern near power lines, contact TID or PG&E, depending on the utility provider. Do not attempt to prune trees near power lines yourself.

What if a tree or large branch falls into the street or a City park?

Answer: If a tree or large branch falls into the public right-of-way or a City park during regular business hours, contact the Municipal Services Department at (209) 668-5594. After hours, on weekends, or on holidays, call (209) 668-1200.