To request a tree, fill out and submit the application form online (below), or download this printable PDF application form (after you’ve printed and completed it, you can scan it and email it to info@fuf.net, or you can mail it to us at Friends of the Urban Forest, 1007 General Kennedy Avenue Suite 1, Presidio, San Francisco CA 94129).

Free Tree Application Online »

Upcoming Neighborhood Plantings

Friends of the Urban Forest makes it easy and affordable for San Franciscans to get new trees in front of their properties. Street trees beautify and improve neighborhoods, increase property values, reduce storm-water runoff, and clean the air (see more benefits here). If you have any questions, contact us by phone at 415-268-0772 or by email with our contact form.

Planting in the Outer Sunset.

The Tree Package

When you sign up for a tree, we provide all this:

• Check utilities to ensure no interference
• Cut and dispose of concrete from sidewalk
• Species recommendations by our arborists
• The TREE itself
• Hardware to support and protect the tree
• A volunteer planting crew to help you plant it
• New tree owner’s manual
• 3 years of tree care services

We’re fully funded to bring large tree plantings to your neighborhood.

• Sign up to request a tree so we can find out your preference of tree species
• Take the opportunity to opt out of the upcoming tree planting prior to the deadline

“What if there’s already an empty tree basin adjacent to my property?”

You’re required to plant a tree in the basin unless it doesn’t comply with city code (if you’re unsure, we can advise you). Take this opportunity to get a new tree with FUF and choose the species. Click here to request a new tree for your empty basin, or click here to learn more about our process for planting “replacement” trees in empty basins.

 What does the tree planting program include?

• A tree is planted at no cost to the property owner
• Concrete cutting and removal is included
• You can choose the tree species from a menu
• The tree receives tree pruning visits from FUF and the City
• Property owners are not responsible for repairing sidewalk damage caused by trees (the City is)
• Property owners are not liable for trip and fall lawsuits resulting from tree-related sidewalk damage (the City is)
• After the tree is planted, if you think it has problems, you can contact FUF for advice or to request that we examine it

Are property owners responsible for sidewalk damage?

No — property owners are not responsible for repairing (or paying for) tree-related sidewalk damage. Read about the new City policies: fuf.net/newpolicy

Cars that park on the sidewalk and weak pipes can also cause sidewalk damage. These are damages unrelated to and unaffected by trees.

San Francisco reclaims upkeep of street trees

But, I don’t want a tree! I did not ask for one.

At this time, you may opt out of having a street tree planted adjacent to your property. However, in the future the City may plant a street tree in that location in order to meet the City’s goals of increasing the urban canopy and improving the city’s “green infrastructure.”

Because the sidewalk is a public right-of-way, the City has authorized Friends of the Urban Forest to mark and cut the sidewalk and plant street trees.

Why should we have street trees?

Street trees provide you, your neighbors, and all San Franciscans with many benefits:

• Street trees increase property values.
• Street trees calm traffic.
• Street trees reduce stress.
• The greener a property’s surroundings, the fewer reported crimes.
• Street trees reduce air pollution and water pollution.
• See more benefits here.

We planted more than 160 trees with neighbors in Portola over three planting events in Fall 2017, thanks to the Portola Neighborhood Association.