City Park Strips, City Trees and Homeowner’s Role
 
Our tree committee coordinator has communicated with our City’s Urban Forester to get some guidance regarding city street trees, as we are going into another hot, dry summer.  She was informed that all property owners are responsible for maintaining their yards, the sidewalk, and the landscaped park strip in front of or adjacent to their property. The City regulates that maintenance by setting and enforcing a maintenance standard. In the case of City street trees, the City also provides maintenance, such as pruning and trimming. However, it’s up to us to remove the fallen leaves and water the tree. Sacramento City Code 12.56.080 spells out some of the maintenance responsibilities of the property owner with regard to city trees in park strips.*
The homeowner (or occupant) has the primary responsibility to water City street trees, as the City only has the resources to give supplemental water to some of the newly planted trees. Watering a tree uses less water than watering a lawn if done properly.
 
Watering Resources and Information for City Trees and Your Trees
The Sacramento Tree Foundation has a lot of valuable information about how to water trees while conserving water: https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/
 
The Sacramento Tree Foundation warns that mulch is NOT:

• Rubber, rocks, decomposed granite, weed cloth, artificial turf, plastic
• These can trap heat in the soil and cause damage to tree roots

 
There is also a city zoning ordinance that prohibits putting artificial turf within the dripline of a tree - even a tree in your own yard. (Sacramento City Code 17.612.010(A)(1)(b).)
(Illustration of dripline: https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/)
 
The City’s Water Conservation webpage also has an irrigation calculator:
http://www.beyondthedrought.com/index2.php
 
Ivy is bad for trees
If you have ivy on your City street tree it is important to cut the ivy near the base of the tree and let it die. Do not rip it from the tree, which will damage the bark.
 
*The pertinent part of the maintenance ordinance - 12.56.080 - says:
 
"C.              The owner of any lot adjacent to a street shall maintain any unpaved portion of the adjacent public right-of-way. Maintenance includes irrigation of city trees or other plantings, subject to federal, state and local government restrictions on water use, and keeping the unpaved areas free from weeds or any obstructions contrary to public safety.
  D.              The owner of any lot adjacent to a street, at their own expense, is responsible for removal of fallen leaves and other debris from city trees."
​

IVY IS BAD FOR TREES
 
Ivy can kill the beautiful trees that give our yards and neighborhoods shade and character. What looks like a lovely little green plant can actually kill trees, accelerate rot, attract insects and cause mature trees to fall down during storms.
 
Ivy damages the bark as it climbs and will eventually overtake even a mature tree, weakening branches through its weight and preventing light from penetrating leaves. Weakened plants and trees are more susceptible to problems like pests or disease.
 
Four Reasons to Remove Ivy from Trees

1. Trees and ivy rely on the same supply of water and nutrients. Because ivy can be more aggressive, there’s a chance your tree isn’t getting its fair share of nutrition.
2. Ivy growth crowds tree branches, blocking sunlight trees need to make food.
3. Vines can weigh a tree branch down, putting it at a higher risk of breaking in a storm.
4. Over time, an ivy invasion weakens a tree, making it a target for opportunistic pests.

 
How to Remove Ivy
Use a hand pruner to cut ivy stems from their roots around the bottom of the tree's trunk. Do not pull ivy off the tree as it will damage the park. Once cut, the ivy will die on its own.
Pull the roots of the ivy out from the ground around the tree. If you wish to keep your ivy, please remove it from your city street tree or your yard tree, and monitor it to make sure it doesn't grow back up the tree.
 
How to Get Rid of Ivy Roots by Hand

1. Water beneath the tree or wait until after a rainfall. In soft soil, ivy is easier to remove.
2. Use a hand pruner to cut ivy stems from their roots around the bottom of the tree’s trunk.
3. Getting as deep as you can, pull the roots out. Remember, this is the best way kill the plant for good.
4. Leave the ivy growing on the tree to die on its own. It’s tempting to rip the plant off, but this can seriously damage tree bark!
5. Check the tree periodically to make sure new ivy sprouts haven’t cropped up. If they have, repeat!

 
 How to Remove English Ivy – Piedmont Master Gardeners