Trees
For after hours reporting of a downed tree hazard blocking the right-of-way please call Police Dispatch at 925-671-3333.
The City of Concord takes pride in its urban forest and has been continually recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation with the Tree City USA and Growth Awards. Trees offer significant social, economic, environmental benefits to the quality of life in our community by enhancing the aesthetic beauty of our neighborhoods, moderating climate, reducing energy costs and increasing property values. The Public Works Parks Division is responsible for ensuring the commitment to foster a healthy urban forest using the following guidelines for trees located within the City of Concord.
The procedure for reviewing an application to remove a Protected Tree requires a permit to be completed and information submitted to the Public Works Parks, Community Development Engineering, and Community Development Planning Divisions through the Permit Center for review and response. Protected trees require a permit prior to removal. A breakdown of Permit fees are explained below. Non-protected trees do not require a City of Concord issued permit prior to removal.
TREE REMOVAL PERMIT
Tree removal permit applications are only accepted online here. The Public Works Department will respond to your request within 15 working days based on operational ability. Any incomplete applications will not be processed.
protected Trees
Trees offer significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to the quality of life in our community by enhancing the aesthetic beauty of our neighborhoods, moderating climate, reducing energy costs and increasing property values. Certain types of trees in the City of Concord have a protected status, depending on their size, species or historical significance. Residents are not allowed to cut down, top off, uproot, or willfully damage or destroy a protected tree without first submitting an application and obtaining approval (PDF) from the City. A sample tree survey landscape standard design is available here.
Street Trees, Median Trees, and Public Space Trees are Public Property and are protected regardless of size or species. A Permit is required to remove a protected tree. Effective July 1, 2023, the permit fees are billed as follows:
Type | Billed by |
| Tree Removal Permit (associated with other development applications) | Actual Hours |
| One (1) to Three (3) protected tree removals (not associated with other development applications) | Actual Hours |
| Four (4) or more protected tree removals (not associated with other development applications) | Actual Hours |
The Deposit for Tree Removal Permit Applications is $750 and is based on hourly rates used ($279 for Engineering, $279 for Public Works, and $220 for Planning.) Additional time will be charged as accrued. There is an exception to this based on trees that have already failed and/or are in immediately danger of falling, as identified by a Certified Arborist, in which case the permit fee is reduced to $250.
Heritage Trees
The City has a number of designated Heritage Trees of exceptional historic, visual or ecological significance, protected by City ordinance. The tree must be an outstanding specimen of its species. The Planning Commission receives nominations for Heritage Tree status through the Planning Division. The commission must pass a resolution to designate a Heritage Tree, and a plaque is installed nearby.
Concord Receives National Award
2023 marks the 42nd year that Concord has been named a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The national award honors Concord’s commitment to its community forest. Concord has been the recipient of a Tree City Growth Award for twenty-one years for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program.