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1. Does the city take care of all street trees?

No. The majority of street trees are managed by the City but adjacent property owners have responsibility for maintenance. The City does very limited maintenance on trees in the right of way easement. The City’s maintenance is generally limited to immediate hazards or obstructions to the traveled portion of the right of way: removal of downed branches that block the sidewalk or roadway, removal of trees that fail in wind or snow storms, trimming branches away from street lights, etc. Routine and/or non-emergency pruning and/or removal is the property owner’s responsibility. The City Street or Parks Department maintains street trees planted by the City along some arterial streets and adjacent to City properties such as City Hall. The Parks Department maintains street trees in the Central Business District that were planted by the City.

2. Do I need a permit to plant or prune a street tree?

It depends. Street Tree Permits are required for planting and pruning street trees. Permits are required for major pruning of street trees (limbs larger than 2" in diameter and/or comprising more than 15% of foliage-bearing area). No permit is required for minor pruning of street trees (branches or roots less than 2" in diameter and comprising less than 15% of foliage-bearing area). Permits are generally free, except when the major pruning or removal is on an arterial street. Property owners maintain safe sidewalk and street access by pruning trees to provide 9 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Contact City staff at (509) 962-7237.

3. Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?

Permission to remove a live, healthy street tree requires the permission of the City Council. If a removal requires the use of the City right of way, whether on the right of way or on private property, a Public Works Permit may be required, to ensure the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the right of way, and protect against damage to City streets or infrastructure.

4. Can we rake our leaves into the street? Does the city come by and pick them up?

Onsite composting, garbage company yard debris bins, and hauling leaves to the Kittitas County Compost Center are excellent ways to manage leaves that fall to the ground in October and November. When leaves are blown or swept into the street, the city sweepers attempt to keep up with the high volume but find our equipment is overtaxed by taking additional trips to pick up the leaves that could have been managed as recommended.