Street trees are a valuable community asset that contribute significantly to the visual and environmental character of a neighborhood. Mature street trees help soften the landscape in urban areas and tree lined streets serve to enhance the ambiance of a neighborhood. In addition, studies have shown that trees increase property values. To ensure trees in your area are preserved, minimize contamination and compaction of soils around trees, minimize excavation and damage of roots and prevent mechanical injuries to the trunk and main branches of the tree.
Street trees are trees located within the public road right of way.
In cases such as in Figure 1, generally the right of way extends 7' to 8' from the back of the sidewalk. In cases such as in Figure 2, the right of way usually extends 1' to 2' from the back of the sidewalk. In areas where there are no sidewalks, the right of way generally extends 30' from the center of the paved roadway. Property owners are responsible for determining the exact location of the right of way fronting their property. This can be done by exposing stakes at the property corners or by hiring a surveyor to locate property boundaries.