Urban Forestry – City of Encinitas

The City of Encinitas is responsible for the care, maintenance, and protection of public trees and the urban forest. These trees are one of the City’s most valuable natural resources, providing shade, environmental benefits, and contributing to the character and quality of life in our community.

What We Do

City staff oversee all matters related to City-owned trees and serve as the liaison for development and construction projects involving trees. Our responsibilities include:

• Inspecting, pruning, and responding to emergency tree situations
• Maintaining trees in City parks, street right-of-ways, and on City property
• Managing contracts with licensed tree service companies for services such as pruning, removals, and stump grinding

Why Urban Trees Matter

The City of Encinitas is fortunate to have a diverse and beautiful population of trees—from iconic individual specimens to native groves that define our neighborhoods. Urban trees:

• Provide shade and natural cooling
• Improve air quality and environmental health
• Contribute to community identity and visual appeal

Protecting and sustaining this urban forest in a developed environment requires thoughtful planning, consistent maintenance, and community involvement.

Tree Protection, Regulations, & Standards

The City’s Tree Ordinance and Urban Forest Management Policy are the primary tools used to protect public trees and guide responsible tree management. These policies help:

• Promote public safety and welfare
• Preserve trees during development and construction
• Avoid negative impacts to surrounding properties

The City has also developed an Administrative Manual that establishes technical standards to implement these policies.

By assuring preservation and protection through regulations and standards of care, these resources will remain significant contributions to the landscape, streets and parks, and continue to help define Encinitas.

Please note: the Administrative Manual is currently under review, and some information may change. If you have questions about how proposed updates may affect you, please contact City staff.

City Tree Removals- View information on pending and recent City tree removals.

Tree Permits & Property Owner Responsibilities

The City oversees all planting, pruning, and removal of City-owned trees located in parks, street right-of-ways, and on City property.

Property owners may complete a City Tree Permit Application to request that a City Tree be removed or planted in the City’s right-of-way. Upon online submission, the application will be forwarded to the appropriate City staff for review. Please click on one of the following options below:

Residents who wish to request pruning of a city-owned tree may submit a request through the MyEncinitas App.

For emergencies or questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 760-633-2850.

Trees Associated with Construction and Development

For trees associated with construction or development projects that require planting, removal, or pruning, permits must be submitted to the Engineering Department at City Hall.

If the work is performed by a third party:

• Contractors must be licensed and hold a valid City of Encinitas business license
• A City Tree Permit Application must be submitted with project documents

For questions, please contact the Engineering Department at 760-633-2770.

Heritage Trees

Upon nomination by any person or agency and with the written consent of the property owner(s), a tree may be designated as a heritage tree or as a heritage grove. Heritage trees may be located on City or private property.

Any person wishing to nominate a heritage tree will need to complete the Heritage Tree Nomination Form and submit it to the Development Services Department.

For more information on heritage trees please visit the City’s Heritage Tree webpage.

Street Tree Selection & Planting

Please note: this section is currently under review.

Pruning & Maintenance Schedule

The Street Maintenance Section proactively maintains City right-of-way trees using standards established by the International Society of Arboriculture and outlined in the Urban Forest Management Program Administrative Manual of Procedures.

Services include:

• Routine pruning and trimming
• Removal of dead or diseased trees
• Hazard mitigation for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and emergency access

The City organizes and oversees an annual contractual tree maintenance program to ensure consistent care.

Explore the Interactive Tree Map

Learn more about City-maintained trees, including pruning schedules and species information, through our interactive map.

 

 

Education & Community Outreach

The City is committed to educating the community about propertree care and the value of urban forestry.

Resources include:

• Free brochures on tree care and maintenance at the Public Works facility
• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) pruning standards books available at the
•  Encinitas Library
Online educational materials at www.treesaregood.org

Key educational topics include proper tree selection, planting,maintenance, and protection.

The City has established an Urban Forest Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations to the City Arborist, while also serving as a forum for community engagement. For more information, please visit the Urban Forest Advisory Committee webpage.