Trees improve our quality of life in several important ways. Trees cool our streets, lowering temperatures in the shade about 10 degrees. Streetside trees also help clean our air and provide sound dampening and wind buffers. Aesthetically, street trees unify a streetscape and provide visual interest to pedestrians and motorists.
Trees also provide habitat for a variety of animals.
An urban forest is the public property of all residents, and is managed as a public resource. The Parks Division regulates all planting, pruning and removal of trees in the public easement. In some neighborhoods, the sidewalk is adjacent to the curb, and the easement is situated in the area between the house and the sidewalk. Residents must obtain a permit to plant, prune or remove a tree located in a parkway or easement. There is no charge for this permit.