Urban Forestry Ordinance

Coeur d’Alene’s public trees provide a variety of benefits to both people and the environment.

The care and maintenance of Coeur d’Alene’s street trees is a cooperative effort between the City of Coeur d’Alene and the owners of private property that abuts the right-of-way.

Caring for our City’s Trees

Coeur d’Alene’s Urban Forestry Ordinance gives guidelines for the care and maintenance of all public trees and shrubs. The standards of tree care that the City Council has adopted are the American National Standards (for pruning, fertilizing, supplemental support systems) and Community Canopy tree planting details. 

"Public trees" include trees growing within the public rights-of-way as well as trees growing in parks and on other city property. The right-of-way is the strip of land set aside for public uses such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and utilities. Right-of-way widths vary from street to street. To determine whether or not a tree is growing within the right-of-way, contact the city’s Urban Forestry Coordinator (phone 769-2266). 

The owners of the private real property that abuts the rights-of-way (also called the "Controllers") share with the city a responsibility for the stewardship of the city’s street trees. By maintaining those trees within the right-of-way adjacent to their property, the Controllers contribute to the beauty of the city’s streets.

Controller Responsibilities

Controllers have the responsibility to:

• Care for and maintain public trees and shrubs adjacent to their property;
• Meet requirements and obtain all permits;
• Trim or prune trees for clearance over sidewalks (7') and streets (14');
• Spray to control insects and diseases;
• Remove trees and shrubs, public or private, declared a public nuisance;
• Replace trees or shrubs that have been removed by the Controller;
• Repair damage to street, sidewalk, or curb caused by public or private trees or shrubs;
• Remove and replace public trees that have been topped or improperly pruned.

Public Nuisances

Trees that pose a nuisance to the public must be removed and replaced. Nuisance trees include trees that are dead, defaced, broken, dangerous, diseased, or that have an infestation of pests, insects, or eggs or larvae that may spread. Parts of trees can also be a public nuisance, such as the roots of any tree or shrub that interfere with or cause the surface of the street, curb, or sidewalk to be heaved or disturbed. Trees and shrubs must also be maintained so that they do not impair the visibility of traffic signs, street signs, or vision between 3 feet and 8 feet within 30 feet of an intersection.

Sidewalk and Street Damage

Controllers are responsible for repairing the damage done to the street, sidewalk, or curb by the roots of public or private trees.

Prevention is the best way to deal with sidewalk problems. The selection of the right size and species of tree will prevent many problems. When planting trees, a 12" deep root barrier can be installed to guide tree roots below the sidewalk.

Permits are required for root pruning. Many sidewalk deviations can be made to prevent root loss - check with staff in parks or engineering for more information.

Doing the Job Yourself

You will be given helpful "how-to" information along with your permit. If your tree activities will be impairing the use of the sidewalk or road, an encroachment permit from the City’s Engineering Division is also required. All debris must be removed from the streets by sunset of the day you do the work.

 If you are going to remove a tree on your own, you will need to sign a hold-harmless agreement for liability purposes.

Hiring a Licensed Operator

If you are hiring someone to plant, prune, or remove trees within the right-of-way, you must use a city-licensed tree service. This assures you that the service is aware of city standards and also fulfills city insurance requirements. For a list of tree services currently licensed with the City, see this web page under the section on "Planting and Parenting".

Unlawful Acts

It is unlawful for any person to willfully damage, mutilate or destroy any public tree or shrub. Please do not:

• Burn leaves or other materials near the trunks of trees;
• Store oil, gasoline, chemicals, or other harmful materials around public trees and shrubs;
• Attach wire, signs, or power sources to trees;
• Dump paint thinner, paint, plaster, or other toxic wastes on the ground anywhere under a tree;
• Expose portions of trees to frequent contact with construction equipment;
• Make cuts in the ground near the roots of trees;
• Damage roots by compacting or filling on or near the base of a tree or shrub.

View the City Code