The parkway is the area between the sidewalk and the street curb. Trees in the parkway are known as parkway trees or street trees.

Parkway trees are part of the Los Angeles Urban Forest. As public property, they benefit the entire community and are the shared responsibility of the City and the homeowner. When funding is available the Urban Forestry Division plants and prunes trees. In recent years Urban Forestry’s budget has been significantly cut. For example, the current time gap between tree trimmings is seventeen years. Additionally, many of Urban Forestry’s resources have been redeployed to underserved communities. However, Urban Forestry does respond promptly to fallen trees and large branches that block streets and create homeowner emergencies.

Homeowners are responsible for watering and maintaining their parkway trees once they have been planted. For planting and trimming trees, see below for how homeowners can take action on their own.

Yes!

There are two ways t plant a parkway tree.

Do It Yoursetf: follow our 5 Easy Steps to Plant Your Tree and How to Video

With the Green Team: Find out about our Community Tree Planting.

The City only allows certain tree species to be planted on the parkway. These species are climate resilient, drought tolerant, disease and pest resistant, and appropriately sized for each parkway.

A Permit to Plant from the Urban Forestry Division is required before a homeowner can plant a new parkway tree at their own expense. But first, check with the Green Team to determine if a tree planting is scheduled for your street.

If you decide to plant a parkway tree on your own, find the specified tree on the Holmby Westwood Tree PLan.

Parkway trees are city property and may not be removed or replaced without city permission. A tree removal permit from the Urban Forestry Division is required to remove a tree from the parkway at the homeowner's expense. Reasons for potential removal include

(1) a dead parkway tree

(2) a damaged sidewalk

(3) a curb, driveway, or sewer that cannot be repaired due to a tree

(4) driveway repair or installation prohibited by a tree.

Permits are not granted for removing trees that are still alive (i.e. if the tree has green leaves or needles). Once a removal request is made, an arborist from Urban Forestry inspects the site to make a final determination.

Step 1: Dial 800-996-2489 or visit MyLA311 to obtain a Service Request Number and Removal Permit

Step2: Complete application

Application for Tree Removal Permit

For more information call:
Urban Forestry Division 213-847-3077

Because of limited City funding and staffing, parkway trees are currently on a seventeen-year tree trimming cycle — so it may be quite some time before City crews reach your block.

If your tree needs attention sooner, homeowners are welcome to arrange trimming at their own expense by obtaining a free “No-Fee” Tree Trimming Permit from the City’s Urban Forestry Division.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Request a Service Number by calling (800) 996-2489 or visiting MyLA311.

2. Complete your permit application through the Urban Forestry Division at (213) 847-3077.

Neighbor tip:If several trees on your block could use a trim, consider teaming up with neighbors to hire a certified arborist together — it’s often more affordable and helps keep your street’s canopy healthy and consistent.

Only hire qualified arborists or tree-trimming specialists. A poor trim can do lasting damage, while careful pruning helps your trees thrive for decades to come.

See our recommendations arborists here for pruning guidance.

To report dead or fallen trees, stumps, and tree-related emergencies, go to:

Dial 311 or (213) 473-3231

Urban Forestry 213-847-3077

Visit the MyLA311 Website to create a service request number

Download the MyLA311 app.

You will need to supply an address for the tree location.

As per L.A. code, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, curb, parkway, and driveway approach. The property owner may request a permit to trim the roots to facilitate the repair of the sidewalk if the tree can be left in a safe condition. This may also require pruning of the tree canopy to minimize wind resistance. The property owner performs the work at their expense. If the tree roots can not be safely pruned, the property owner may request a tree removal permit to be removed at their own expense and may be required to plant a replacement tree.

If you cannot afford to repair sidewalk damage due to tree roots, contact the Bureau of Street Services Request Section at (800) 996-2489 and request a small asphalt repair (SAR) for an off-grade sidewalk condition.