Street Trees

The City of Redlands has approximately 53,900 tree sites located within the City’s right-of-way and City owned properties. Of those sites, approximately 46,900 are home to trees that live within the easement area abutting City streets and have been coined the term “street trees.” The City holds its urban forest in high regard and in partnership with the Redlands Street Tree Committee is dedicated to the continued enhancement, maintenance, education and care of this living asset.

Permit to Trim, Plant or Remove Public Trees

A Public Tree Encroachment Permit is required for an trimming, planting, or removal of any tree in a City easement.

This permit allows residents to hire approved contractors to trim, plant and remove public trees

The City waives the permit fees associated with the voluntary trimming, planting or removal of public trees by residents who hire certified contractors, subject to the approval of the Facilities & Community Services Department.

Submit the completed permit application via email or in person:

Facilities & Community Services Department

35 Cajon Street, Suite 222
Redlands, CA 92373

Public Tree Encroachment Permit

Guidelines for protecting nesting birds while trimming trees

Tree City USA

As a result of the City’s dedication to sustaining a healthy and viable urban forest the City has been named a Tree City USA city by the National Arbor Day Association for 24 years.

National Arbor Day Association

Tree Watering Guidelines

Our city is comprised of a few different types & mixtures of soils across our 36 sq miles. The following is a list of general guidelines for use when watering trees, especially during months without rainfall.

The average tree requires approximately 160 gallons of water per month. This can be applied by running a soaker hose with a low flow of water for 15 to 20 minutes (equivalent to four 5 gallon buckets), two times per week.
Watering should be applied at the dripline of the tree (outer perimeter of the tree foliage).
Watering of trees is exempt from irrigation restrictions provided no water waste occurs. Spread mulch as far out as the branches reach (if possible), approximately three inches deep. Do not pile mulch against the tree trunk as this may rot the bark and trunk.
Don’t dig holes in the ground surrounding the tree in an attempt to deep water as it will only dry out the feeder root system.
Never assume that any tree can go without water, even “drought tolerant” species. We encourage the use of an in-ground irrigation system when possible.

Fun fact: Providing adequate water (160 gallons) per month will cost a property owner roughly $1.45, per billing cycle, at current rates.

Illustration of a tree with a lush green canopy, showing "Drip Line" arrows pointing away from the trunk, instructing on proper watering technique.

What Does a Tree Under Drought Stress Look Like?

Drought stress symptoms can show suddenly or take up to two years.

Typical symptoms include

Leaf wilting/curling/yellowing
Deciduous trees may develop “scorch” which is browning along edges or between leaf veins
Leaves may be smaller than normal or drop prematurely.
Evergreen needles may turn yellow, red, or brown, and may discolor all the way to the twig.

Other Tree Care Tips

Use organic mulch around your tree to increase soil moisture, while keeping it at least 6” from the trunk.
Consult/use a professional when pruning your trees; don’t over prune.
Avoid fertilizing trees experiencing drought stress, as salts may further tax the tree.

Watering Young Trees

For the first three years, young trees need slow, deep watering during the dry season typically April to October
Water 2-3 times per week
On average, a young tree will need 15 gallons of water per week.

Watering Mature Trees

Mature trees need deep watering that penetrates at least 2-3 feet.
Established drought-tolerant trees may need occasional watering at 1-2 month intervals in the dry season. California Native Oaks, California Laurel, Cork Oak, and Chinese Pistache can be damaged and short-lived with too- frequent summer watering.
Moisture adapted trees benefit from an occasional deep watering to at least one foot 1-2 times a month. Some species are Birches, Redwoods, Magnolias and Red Maples

How to Water

A soaker hose that circles the drip line is best. Other methods include:
Timed hand watering using a spray attachment on the end of a hose
Moving a slow running hose around the drip-line
Moving a bucket with a hole in the bottom around the drip line
Young trees can be hand-watered by the above systems, however
- especially benefit from use of watering bags which deliver higher volume of water at a slow rate
Remember – any deep watering is better than no water. The water trees receive through lawn irrigation is not sufficient for most trees and can lead to shallow, more unstable roots.

If you lose a large tree, you’ve lost:

Valuable shade canopy
Property value
Important wildlife habitat value
Energy conservation
- a single large tree cools as much as 10 room air conditioners

Urban Forest Council Waterwise Tree Care

International Society of Arboriculture

Sacramento Tree Foundation

Tree People

Street Tree Committee

Contact Facilities & Community Services

Approved Tree List & Selection References

Our Street Tree Palette is designed to offer the appropriate tree for the various parkway widths throughout the City