Mountain View Street Trees

What is a Street Tree? A street tree is a tree in the planting strip or public right of way in front of a home or business.

Who Plants Street Trees? The City of Mountain View plants street trees. If you want to have a new street tree planted (at no cost to you) contact the Forestry and Roadway Division, (650)903-6273.

Who is responsible for the care of street trees? When the City plants a street tree, City staff stakes the tree and monitors its status for the first year. The City also waters the young tree for the first 30 days after planting. The homeowner is responsible for the care of the tree, including watering, weeding, etc.

How often should I water my young tree? If the soil seems dry an inch below the surface, give the tree a good watering. In summer, you may need to water once a week; in winter, perhaps no more than once a month. Most trees, depending on the species, only need to be watered for the first 3-5 years after being planted.

Why do I need to keep other plants away from the tree trunk? Other plants (including weeds and grass) compete with the young tree for water and nutrients. Keep other plants outside the tree's drip line (the imaginary line from the outside tips of the branches to the ground).

What is the best way to control weeds around a tree trunk? Do not use herbicides or pesticides on or near young trees. Pull weeds out by hand and then cover the soil with a 3-inch layer of mulch extending 12-18 inch from the trunk.

When should I prune my young tree? Do not prune your young street tree. Leafy branches shade and protect the trunk in summer and are vital for the continued growth of the tree. If you think your tree needs pruning, contact the City's Forestry and Roadway Landscape Division at (650)903-6273.

Should I fertilize my young tree? Do not fertilize your young street tree. Fertilizing could damage it by burning its roots or encouraging leaf growth when it should be developing roots.

When should I remove the stakes? Stakes are usually removed 1-2 years after the tree is planted, when the roots have moved out of their planting ball and into the surrounding soil, anchoring the tree. Stakes that are rubbing against the trunk or branches can wound the tree and endanger its health. If you think the stakes need to be removed, contact the Forestry and Roadway Landscape Division at (650)903-6273.

One more way to protect your young tree: Avoid hitting it with a lawnmower, string trimmer, bicycle, or other heavy object.

Why are the volunteers of Mountain View Trees surveying young street trees? When the City of Mountain View plants street trees, City staff monitors the status of the trees during the first year after planting. The volunteers of Mountain View Trees will help the City monitor the trees until they are well established (for the next one to five years). Our volunteer tree surveyors collect information about the street trees (health of tree, need for pruning, etc.) and give it to the Forestry and Roadway Landscape Division for further action.

Who should I call if my street tree is not thriving? Contact the Forestry and Roadway Landscape Division of the City of Mountain View at (650)903-6273.

by Ray Morneau

The short answer is one that grows well and fits into your neighborhood, one that is often observed nearby. Certainly, a small tree is better under power lines, and a narrower tree is better suited for narrow planter strips.

SMA (Society of Municipal Arborists) interestingly vote for an "official" urban tree of the year. These are some of the winners they like and recommend:

2009 Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muhlenbergii)

2008 Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

2007 Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)

2006 Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

2005 Chanticleer Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

2004 Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer rubrum)

2003 Allee Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

2002 'Heritage' River Birch

2001 Bur Oak

2000 'Redmond' Linden

1999 'Skyline' Honeylocust'

1998 Swamp White Oak

1997 'Ivory Silk' Lilac

1996 'Princeton Sentry' Ginkgo