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1. What is Urban Forestry?

Urban Forestry maintains all of the City's street, park, trail and facility trees. This highly skilled team in the Park's Division ensures the longevity and health of approximately 30,000 trees city-wide, while planting more each year. The team is also responsible for review of plantings, removal of trees, and responding to emergencies such as fallen trees and branches. 

2. When does a tree need to be removed?

Trees improve our quality of life in so many ways, so why do some need to be removed? There are a variety of reasons a tree might be deemed removable. Trees, depending on the species, have different lifespans. Some naturally begin to falter, while others may be affected by disease or invasive pests. In all cases of tree removals, the decision is made to ensure the safety of people, property, and infrastructure.

3. Are public trees removed for tree root private sewer lateral conflicts?

Usually a public tree does not need to be removed when there is tree root private sewer lateral conflict. 

In most cases, there is a break in the private sewer lateral prior to root infiltration, which can be caused through a combination of the degradation of construction materials, settling, or shrinking and expanding of our natural soils which leads to the private sewer lateral leaking. Once there is a leak, root infiltration is possible. 

Public trees may be considered for removal once a permit for private sewer lateral repair has been pulled from our Building and Safety Division, only if the tree prevents the repairs from taking place. During the repair process staff works with the homeowner and plumbing company to evaluate whether or not the tree will be impacted during the repair process. In some cases, roots may need to be pruned. In most scenarios public trees can be retained through this process. 

If a public tree prevents a sewer lateral repair, the City’s Urban Forestry Program will remove the tree.

4. Are public trees removed for sidewalk related damages?

The City’s sidewalk maintenance program prioritizes damages and handles repairs with the limited funding available.  The City’s Urban Forestry Program works closely with the City’s sidewalk maintenance and repair program to resolve as many sidewalk displacements as possible.

Public trees are not removed unless a sidewalk is to be repaired.  Decisions for removal of public trees that have caused damage to sidewalks are made at the time when sidewalk repairs or replacements are conducted.  In many cases public trees can be retained during the repair process.  Retention and survival of public trees is a priority during repairs.

If you would like to report a sidewalk displacement in the City of Ventura, please contact 805-652-4590.  

5. Are public trees removed for causing debris?

Tree debris – such as leaves, flowers, or fruit  --  is naturally occurring and not considered to be valid criteria for tree removal.

These frequently asked questions were developed to help residents understand whether or not the public tree in front of their home is a candidate for removal.  For more information about public trees in Ventura, please contact our Urban Forestry office at 805-667-6519.

6. How does this affect my property?

Tree maintenance and removals take place to prevent any damage and consequential costs to property owners. Work will only take place on public property, owned by the City. 

7. Can I request a new tree to be planted on public property?

Yes! Trees removed from public property, including empty tree wells, can be replaced upon request. However, our team needs to wait about a year to allow the previous tree’s roots system to decay. This provides ample space for a new tree to establish its own roots.