This page is updated every Monday. On weeks when Monday is an observed holiday, the page will be updated on Tuesday of that week.
 
In accordance with Public Works Code, Article 16, Section 806, a written appeal may be made in regards to the removal of a tree within 15 or 30 days of the posting date (depending on the posting period).  Appeals must state the grounds for the appeal and may be sent to [email protected] or mailed to San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry, 49 South Van Ness Ave, Ste 1000, San Francisco, CA 94103.
 
Our aim at Public Works is for San Francisco to have a thriving, robust urban forest. 
 
That is why we always look for all alternatives before choosing tree removal or approving a property owner's request for removal. However, removals are sometimes necessary to protect public safety, first and foremost, and to navigate the many challenges of growing trees in an urban setting.
 
We always look to see if a street tree is replantable in its current location, or closest available site.  If we have explored all options and cannot replant a street tree, that means the basin is not in compliance with Public Works Director's Order 187,246, as well as with the Minimum Guidelines which can be found on the Plant a Street Tree page.  Some common considerations that limit street tree replanting include sidewalk width, proximity to any existing infrastructure (street lights, traffic lights, stop signs, bus stops, etc.) and conflicts with any underground utilities. 
 
If Location IS replantable, tree will be replaced unless conflict with underground utilities is found. If conflict is found, replacement will be relocated or added to deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
 
If Location is NOT replantable, Replacement will be relocated or added to deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
 
Please note, photos and descriptions will be removed once the posting period has expired. Contact [email protected] or 628-652-TREE (8733) with questions or for more information.
 
 

Active Appeals at the Board of Appeals

AgendaDistrictAddressAppeal No.Hearing DateDescriptionPermit and Hearing Nos.Links
     
 
  

 

  • District 1

    Site: 12
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Permit# 800002  Only one supportive structural root exists and must be pruned for sidewalk repair.Applicant will plant 24" box as tree only appraised for less than in-lieu.
     

    Posting Period: 4/28/25 - 5/28/25

  • District 1

    Site: 1
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal-priority. Tree is in decline with 99% of canopy missing. Tree is too close to existing utilities and is not plantable.
     

    Posting Period: 05/12/25 - 06/11/25

  • District 3

    Site: 2
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of one (1) street tree with replacement. The tree has very poor sctructure from an old injury or topping cut to the main trunk. The resulting structure will be prone to fail as the tree gets larger. Within the main trunk, there is also an extensive column of decay. The tree basin/location is replantable. 
     

    Posting Period: 05/12/25 - 06/11/25

  • District 5

    Site: 4
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of one (1) significant tree on private property by the property owner. Seven (7) new street trees will be planted along Ivy St as part of the Living Alleys project (see website for more information: https://sfpublicworks.org/living-alleys). The tree root pruning that needs to take place as part of the Ivy St. Streetscape Improvements will clearly require root pruning to restore the sidewalk. Becasue the root pruning will occur so close to the base of the tree's trunk, this amount of root pruning will likely destablize the tree. Tree removal permit 800077. 
     

    Posting Period: 05/12/25 - 06/11/25

  • District 7

    Site: 3

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of three (3) street trees with replacement nearby by Public Works, not within the same Ludlow Alley public right-of-way due to inaccessibility of the site. Replacement trees will be planted a few blocks away.  The three trees are bluegum eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus globulus) and have low vigor with very poor structure. The subject trees are also placed directly on top of the City's sewer main, and this public right-of-way was created to accomodate the placement and maintenance of the sewer main in this location, which drops from Casitas Ave down to Lansdale and Dalewood.

    Posting Period: 04/07/25 - 05/07/25

     

  • District 7

    Site: 1
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of one (1) Significant tree on private proeprty with replacement by the property owner. The public right-of-way is 8' ft. wide along this frontage of the proeprty. The primary issue is that one of the main stems of the tree is now against the front roofline of the building due to an increase in the lean of the tree tree or stem. Removal of this large stem would destabilize the remaining sections of the tree. The tree also has had a very large stem faiulre on the side of the tree facing the road. Tree will be replaced with large stature climate adapted species. The tree is located near the S.E. corner of Garces Dr. and Vidal Dr. Permit 798902
     

    Posting Period: 05/05/25 - 06/04/25

  • District 8

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Sidewalk repairs will require the pruning of tree roots, which would significantly compromise the stability of the tree. Due to the limited space within the sidewalk area, replanting at the original location is not feasible. As a result, a new tree will need to be relocated and replanted in a more suitable location.

    Posting Period: 04/14/25 - 05/14/25

  • District 8

    Site: 1
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of one (1) street tree without replacement in the same exact location becasue the sidewalk is too narrow. The subject tree is a Bailey acacia tree (Acacia baileyana) and is a fast growing, but short-lived tree species overall. The tree has experienced past branch failures, the vigor of the canopy/leaves is in decline and the tree is increasing its lean towards the property. The owner tried to help straight the tree with a metal pole but now the metal pole is becoming a potential hazard to pedestrians. The current tree basin/location is NOT replantable because the sidewalk is too narrow. The required replacement will be planted nearby or added to our deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
     

    Posting Period: 05/12/25 - 06/11/25 

  • District 8

    Site: 1
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: The main trunk and the entire canopy are in the road. There is no possibility to prune the tree to achieve appropriate clearance. Location is not replantable. 
     

    Posting Period: 04/21/25 - 05/21/25

  • District 9

    Site: 1
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Termite damage and decay in basal cut wound. Hollow trunk at base of streetside stem with lean over road. Roots causing crack in foundation. Location is replantable.
     

    Posting Period: 04/21/25 - 05/21/25

  • District 10

    Site: 5
     

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of one (1) street tree without replacement.  Location is not replantable. PG&E needs to install a utility pole to support communication, secondary, and high voltage lines. Tree is already in decline and will not survive pruning in order to install the pole.
     

    Posting Period: 04/21/25 - 05/21/25