City Street Trees and Medians

Roots enter sewer systems that have existing failures; therefore, this is a sewer issue not a tree issue. If the roots are entering the sewer line on private property, the property owner is responsible for clearing the line and repairing the line. Check with the Building Department on permit requirements before conducting any replacement repairs. If roots are entering the sewer within the public area contact your sanitation district. There are two districts in Cupertino. Cupertino Sanitary District (408)253-7071, and Sunnyvale Sewer District (408) 730-7400.

Bees are an important insect that pollinate countless trees and plants. From time-to-time hives do get large and will produce a second queen. The new queen will take with her many worker bees in search of a new location to set up a hive. These swarms often stop to rest anywhere from a few hours to a few days. In most cases the swarm will move along on their own. If you have a hive or a swarm that needs removing reaching out to beekeepers is a responsible way of getting rid of the swarm or hive. Resources can be found at https://www.beeguild.org/swarm If the bees are in a city park or on a city tree, please use the Cupertino 311 application or call the Cupertino Service Center at (408)777-3269.

Many private trees are protected and require a permit to remove. To check if your proposed tree removal will require a permit, please check with the Community Development Department at (408)777-3308. For additional information see Muni Code 14.18 Protected Trees. For a request to have a public tree removed because it is dead or perceived to be hazardous, please contact the Cupertino Service Center at (408) 777-3269. Note it is illegal to remove or trim any Public Tree. Fines for trimming or removing public trees can be expensive. See Muni Code 14.12 Public Trees.

In Cupertino All Street trees are to be planted by our Tree Maintenance Division. To request a tree to be planted please submit a tree request form Street Tree Request form.

Many birds and other wildlife are protected. Birds do eat many wild berries. If you can identify their food source and see if the bush, plant, or tree can be removed. Many species of Privet trees are regular food sources that can cause staining. They are on the California Invasive Species list and should be removed. If you have one in your yard, consider replacing it or any other identified staining food source with a more appropriate plant or tree. The City will only remove these trees or bushes within the public Right of Way. Some approved species of Street Trees are considered valuable assets and will not be removed.

The best defense you can provide trees from being attacked by insects is to keep them healthy. Irrigate your tree regularly. Trees do best when they are watered deeply on an infrequent cycle. It is best to saturate the root zone of the tree and allow it to dry. Adding 2-4 inches of mulch (natural chunk woodchips) helps maintain adequate moisture, reduces compaction, and provides micronutrients. If the street tree in front of your home has been attacked and is making a mess. Please report the condition using the Cupertino 311 application or call the Cupertino Service Center at (408)777-3269.

The city does not provide written tree reports, however qualified staff will evaluate city trees. If necessary, work is identified work will be scheduled. In many cases necessary work can be deferred and grouped with other similar work for efficiency. The City does not evaluate privately maintained trees.

For emergency life threating event call 911. If the fallen tree or branch is a private tree the city will not respond unless it is blocking an arterial street. The tree owner should contact a tree care company. If you do not have a regular company you work with for maintaining trees a qualified firms can be found at: treesaregood.org If the fallen tree or branch is a City tree contact the Cupertino Service Center during regular business hours (408)777-3269. Outside regular business hours call County Communication at (408) 299-2507. City tree maintenance staff or On-Call personnel will respond.

For minor water pooling in a street gutter use a push broom to push water out of pooling area. In cases where pooling water is excessive the city may repair the raised section of curb and gutter. The city also repairs and replaces concrete sidewalks that have been damaged by trees. For reporting please using the Cupertino 311 application or call the Cupertino Service Center at (408)777-3269.

The city does not work within utility line easements. For tree and powerline conflicts please visit PG&E at Trees and Powerline conflicts.

Public Street Trees are trees that are situated within the public Right of Way. In most cases, this is the area within parkways, behind a street curb or curb and sidewalk when attached, or a sidewalk cutout. There are a few exceptions, so it is best to use our Tree Finder App to verify.