Trees (Urban Forestry) - NEW 2023

The City's Urban Forest includes over 16,000 trees, some dating back to the late 1800's. City owned trees are located within the public easement (right-of-way), these are trees that are in the maintenance strips running parallel to the street between the sidewalk and gutter. Other City owned trees are located in the city right-of-way along most sound walls, center medians, parks, and public spaces. These trees provide us with multiple benefits and are a unique green infrastructure that continually give back when properly maintained. 

In fact, City trees are the only public assets that can increase in value as they age.

A Tree with Green Leaves

City-owned tree or a Privately-owned tree?

Are you not sure if a tree is city-owned or it is a privately-owned tree?  Refer to this map for details showing the city's trees. If a tree isn't listed, then it is a privately-owned tree.

City Tree Map

Privately-Owned Tree Maintenance

The City’s tree ordinance includes a process that will help educate residents on alternatives to tree removal. This process requires the resident to submit a Tree Modification Review Form along with bids when removals or major maintenance (trimming limbs 3-inches in diameter or greater, cabling, or other similar acts) is proposed for the following trees:

1. Heritage Oaks (valley oaks 33-inches diameter at breast height* or greater) located anywhere on a single-family residential parcel

2. Any type of tree 24-inches diameter at breast height* or greater located within 20-feet back of walk (20-feet measured from the back of the sidewalk)

*Diameter at Breast Height is measured 54-inches above ground level

Graphic for tree ordinance defines trees needing a permit for removal


Requirements related to Public Street Trees (trees located in a maintenance strip between the gutter and sidewalk) is outlined below under City Tree Maintenance

Click here for requirements if You Want to remove tree(s) on your residential property or perform major maintenance on a residential tree.

City-Owned Tree Maintenance

The Urban Forestry Group is responsible for the maintenance of city-owned trees. Staff is specifically focused on protecting, planting, and maintaining trees located in the city right-of-way, parks, and other public spaces. For tree maintenance, questions call (530) 661-2000 or send an email to Woodland Urban Forestry. The City’s Right of Way Clearance Standards are available for download.

The City also issues a tree pruning/removal permit if a homeowner would like to have a City tree pruned or removed at the homeowner’s expense. Every situation is evaluated by the Urban Forest Group and in specific cases, by an Urban Forest subcommittee, before the permit is issued.

Click here for requirements if you want to remove or perform major maintenance on a City tree.

City-owned Tree Maintenance Related Documents

  1. Right of Way Clearance Standards (PDF)
  2. Tree Prunning and Removal Permit (PDF)

Cyclical Tree Maintenance

City trees are maintained in a systematic manner in which the city has been divided up into sections and trees in each section are pruned and maintained on a seven-year pruning cycle. 

Cyclical Tree Maintenance Related Documents

  1. Woodland Tree Pruning Schedule (PDF)
  2. Woodland Tree Pruning Services Zone Map (PDF)

Tree Planting in City Right-of-Way

If you would like to have a tree planted in the maintenance strip in front of your home, please call (530) 661-2000. All new replacement trees will be selected from the current approved master street tree list.

Tree Planting Related Documents

  1. Master Street Tree List (PDF)

Landmark & Specimen Trees

There are landmark trees throughout the City that have been nominated for their size, age, and nobility. These trees have been selected and accepted by the council. Most of the trees have plaques notating their species and some have an explanation of their contributions to the environment they surround. 

Click for more details about the City of Woodland’s landmark and specimen trees.


Pruning / Hazard response request

For emergencies, during normal City operational hours of 7:30 am to 4:00 pm contact Community Services at (530) 661-2000. For after-hour tree issues call Yolo County Communication at (530) 666-8920.

Tree Rebates for Trees Planted on Private Property

Did you know that you can receive a Tree Rebate for up to $75 for trees that you plant anywhere in your front yard? Click for additional information about the City of Woodland Residential Tree Rebate.

Tree Rebates Related Documents

  1. Planting and Staking Detail (PDF)
  2. Tree Rebate Application (PDF)

Woodland Tree Foundation

The City of Woodland partners with the Woodland Tree Foundation to advance their and the City's goals of improving Woodland through the planting of trees. Their motto is Building Community Through Canopy. Visit the Woodland Tree Foundation to learn more about their organization and tree planting opportunities.


Additional Information

For additional information, email Urban Forestry or contact Park Superintendent, Westley Schroeder at (530) 661-5958.