Public Space Tree Managment
The City manages trees in public space to minimize risk and maximize their health and contribution to the urban forest and the community.
Use the MCATLAS Montgomery County Mapping Tool as an aid to understanding where a private property ends and public space begins. Public space is also called the public ‘right-of-way’.
Public Space Tree Planting
The City owns and/or manages approximately 15% of the land in Takoma Park. Much of that area is roadways and buildings, but it also includes many locations suitable for tree planting, primarily along streets and in parks. The City conducts an annual planting in these public space locations with a diverse array of native trees and an emphasis on long-lived large canopy species wherever possible.
A property owner may submit a request for a public space location adjacent to their property to be considered for tree planting. Requested locations will be considered for their suitability for a new tree in balance with other City priority locations. To submit a request, click the link below.
Public Space Tree Planting Request
Submitting a request does not guarantee a tree planting. Requests will be considered along with locations the City identifies as high-priority. Low-priority or unsuitable locations will not be planted.
Additional Notes on Public Space Tree Planting
- Priority locations: Low-canopy areas of the City and locations where there is soil sufficient to support a canopy tree are given the highest priority. The City also considers potential conflicts with vehicle traffic and utility lines, among other factors. See the Urban Forest Master Plan (PDF) for more information.
- Letters are mailed to adjacent properties in advance of planting to give an opportunity to provide input on species selection.
- The City typically plants trees during the spring or fall.
- The City does not permit residents to plant trees in public space themselves.
Public Space Hazard Tree Mitigation
Trees that become hazardous require mitigation pruning or removal. The City’s Urban Forest Manager incorporates the International Society of Arboriculture’s approach to tree risk assessment when weighing the risk a public tree may pose before approving any removals. The City works with experienced and qualified contractors to provide high-quality tree work that maximizes tree health and minimizes negative impacts to the landscape and the community. See the table below for any notices about upcoming tree removal or pruning work to be conducted in public space.
Residents should contact the Urban Forest Manager if they identify any hazardous situations associated with a public space tree.
Public Space Tree Pruning and Removals
| Contractor | Estimated Completion Date | Description of Work | Notes | Link to List of Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Tree Experts | 1/10/25 | Prune and remove dead and hazardous trees in public space | Work to be conducted in wards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 | Public Space Pruning and Removals Work Order 31 (PDF) |
Oversee work in public space
Construction projects in public space have the potential to impact trees. Utility installations, new driveways, retaining walls, sidewalks, roadways, and other projects can all pose concerns. The Urban Forest Manager works closely with the Construction Manager to ensure that trees impacts from these sorts of project are minimized.
Property owners and contractors are required to submit a Work in the Right-of-Way Permit application for any projects that will involve work in public space.
Street and Sidewalk Clearance Pruning
Tree branches can conflict with sidewalk and roadway traffic and sight lines. The City works to address any sidewalk or roadway clearance issues and aims to maintain 8 feet clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over roads. Streets will be reviewed and trees pruned for adequate clearance on a four-year cycle and as-needed in urgent cases.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Urban Forest Manager if they identify any especially problematic tree clearance concerns in advance of the normal cycle of inspection and pruning.
