Recreation & Parks - Tree Information
Care and Responsibility of Trees: The City of Bakersfield’s Recreation and Parks
Department is providing this brochure to: 1) advise
property owners of the responsibility they have for
trees adjacent to public roads; and 2) to provide
information regarding the planting, trimming and
removal of these trees which may be done by the City. [download Tree Brochure]
Trees, including trees adjacent to public roads, are an important asset to the entire community. The City’s role in maintenance of these trees is to provide for the safe use of the public City roads. Periodically, property owners approach the City with requests about trimming or removing “street trees”. These requests are based upon the assumption the City owns, and is responsible for the care of, the trees alongside the public roads. Although trees may be located in a right-of-way which was dedicated as part of the development, the land on which the right of way exists remains private property. The City is responsible for trees and other landscaping located in parks, on medians, and in “streetscapes”.
Q: What is an “easement” or “road right-of-way”?
A: An easement is the right to use property which
belongs to someone else. A road right-of-way is a
specific type of easement. The City maintains roads
within these easements. However, the City does not
become the owner of the land on which the road is built,
or any land adjacent to the road, unless it has officially
acquired the property.
Q: Who owns the trees
along the road?
A: Street trees belong to
the actual or adjacent
property owner, even if
they are located within a
dedicated road “right of way”.
Q: What are my responsibilities for the trees in front of
my property?
A: As a property owner, you are responsible for ensuring the
safety of the street trees on property adjacent to the roadway
in the same way you are responsible for trees which are
located in your front, side or backyard areas.
Q: What tree maintenance does the City do?
A: The City determines
whether plant material
alongside City roadways
impairs the use of the
road, or pedestrian traffic.
If so, the City will remove
the plant material. A tree
might be trimmed for
height clearance, line of
sight, or safety reasons.
Q: My property backs to a street. Can I plant trees
and shrubs beyond my fence?
A: No. These areas are planted and maintained by the
City. All plants in those areas belong to the City and
are part of a landscaping plan for the area. Planting of
any private landscaping materials, or removal or
trimming of any City owned landscaping material, is
forbidden by Bakersfield Municipal Codes 12.40.060
and 12.40.070.
Q: I am getting pine needles and leaves in my pool
from a tree planted along the street. Can I cut it
down?
A: No. Many trees shed needles or leaves which may
cause problems with pools and spas. Bakersfield
Municipal code 12.40.070 forbids the removal or
harming of any tree by a private citizen. If the tree is
diseased or damaged, the City of Bakersfield Recreation
and Parks Department will determine if the tree can be
saved or needs to be removed. If removed, replacements
will match the area landscaping plan.
Q: Do utility companies have some responsibility for
trimming trees?
A: Yes. To meet safety requirements utility companies
will trim trees and foliage to keep the area between
wires clear. Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 if you
believe a tree in your neighborhood poses a danger.
Q: When is the best time to plant trees?
A: The best time to plant trees and shrubs is in the late
fall or early spring. Weather conditions during this time
are optimum to establish roots before spring rain and
summer heat.
Q: How do I care for a young tree?
A: Proper pruning is essential in developing a tree with a
strong structure and desirable form. Trees receiving the
appropriate pruning measures while young will require
little corrective pruning when they mature. Contact a
certified arborist for your specific tree.
Q: How do I prune my mature tree?
A: Pruning should be done with an understanding of
how the tree responds to each cut. We recommend
hiring a certified arborist to determine what is needed for
your tree.
Q: Is there somewhere I can learn more about how to
care for my trees?
A: Yes. The Tree Foundation of Kern offers
information at www.urbanforest.com. Another general
website recommended is www.treesaregood.org. These
comprehensive websites offer tips on planting, picking
an arborist, and additional information on selecting
which trees grow best in Kern County.
