1. Select the site
The first step in planning your planting is to choose the right place for your tree. In an urban setting, potential tree sites are limited by a number of factors - legal, practical, and aesthetic. Make sure you consider factors such as city ordinances, views from your windows, utility lines, and parking behavior on your street when choosing a location for your tree.

2. Choose a tree

• Consider wind direction and force, sun exposure and overhead wires.
• Determine whether your soil is mostly sand or clay (dig in the backyard to check your soil type).
• Consider how big you want your tree to be when it is mature.
• What tree form is right for your spot? For instance, should it be round, weeping, spreading, or upright?
• What character, color, or special features do you want? (Evergreen, deciduous, native, flowers, etc.)
• How much time do you have for maintenance?
• Try to identify trees in your area, particularly those that look vigorous. The condition of existing trees in your neighborhood can be your best guide to picking a suitable tree. For further ideas, consult the Sunset Western Garden Book or FUF's booklet Trees for San Francisco. You may also want to visit Strybing Arboretum or the Street Tree Demonstration Area on Funston between Fulton and Anza.
• Consult the DPW by calling 641-2674.

3. Apply for a planting permit from the Department of Public Works (DPW)

• Property owners are required to have a permit to plant a street tree.
• There is no fee required for the permit.
• Complete a permit application and return it to the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Street Use and Mapping. An application may be obtained by calling DPW at 641-2674, by sending us email with your request and address, or by phoning our planting program director at 561-6890 ext 109. We have also posted a photocopy of the form online.
• Please be sure to sign and date the application.
• Call Underground Service Alert (800-642-2444) to notify utilities of your tree planting project at least two days prior to your DPW appointment.
• DPW will inspect the area to determine whether to issue or deny a permit. You must indicate your preference by placing an "X" with masking tape, chalk, or white paint on the sidewalk. Current regulations for street tree locations are listed on the back of the DPW permit application.
• DPW Urban Forestry Program Staff can be reached at 641-2674 for assistance with the permit process and advice on species selection.

4. Select a healthy tree

• Bay Area nurseries with good tree selection include:
  
  East Bay Nursery (510) 845-6490
  Sloat Nursery (415) 566-4415
  Floorcraft Garden Center (415) 824-1900
  * If they don't have the tree you want in stock, you may wish to special order through the above nurseries.
  
  
• FUF recommends planting 15-gallon size trees: anything larger is difficult to handle without special equipment; anything smaller would be too vulnerable to vandalism. When inspecting a nursery tree, look for the following characteristics:

  a. A straight, tapered trunk (thicker at the base).
  b. A strong, central leader, or central stem. (Trees that are pruned into a vase shape may have several leaders, but they should not compete with each other.)
  c. A natural, symmetrical shape. Branches should be well-spaced and evenly distributed around the trunk. Avoid trees that have been severely headed back -- a practice of over-pruning new growth to produce a bush-like shape that leads to weak branches in later years.
  d. A healthy root system. Use your finger to scratch down an inch or so below the surface of the container. Check that roots are not kinked or circling, and are evenly distributed around the tree. Ensure that no roots are growing out through the bottom of the container.
  e. Healthy leaf tips and limber twigs. Gently bend a twig at the end of a branch.
  f. Undamaged bark. Check for scrapes, poorly healed pruning scars, or insect damage.
  g. No pests or diseases. Check for evidence of pests, particularly on the undersides of new leaves.

5. Cut the sidewalk
Rent a concrete saw or hire a private concrete contractor to cut a 36" x 36" square in your sidewalk at the location marked with red spray paint by DPW. You may want to contact Mark Foti at Sunset Concrete (584-9605).

6. Purchase planting materials
1 15-gallon tree
3 8'x2" stakes
3 36" green arbor ties (no wire!)
3 crossbraces, 3"x18"
1 cardboard watering tube (18" long, 3-4" diameter)
Drain rock to fill tube
Nails

7. Tools to have on hand
Shovel
Handtruck
Hammer
Stake driver (or sledge hammer)

8. Plant your tree
see Tree Planting Techniques
see Arborist Referrals