Tree Removal

Eligibility

Parkway trees can become hazardous to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as well as cause damage to curbs, gutters and sidewalks. In such cases, property owners may request permission from the Director of Public Works to remove the undesirable parkway tree and replace it with an approved parkway tree. If approved, the Public Works/Fields Services Division will assist property owners in the removal and replacement of undesirable trees for a nominal fee. An undesirable tree is any parkway tree that: 

• Has caused damage to surrounding sidewalks, curbs, or gutters.
• Is too large for preventative root pruning measures.
• Is declared undesirable by the Director of Public Works.
• Is unwanted by the property owner (Requires Approval by the Director of Public Works.)

Inspection and approval is required before any action can be taken. To request a parkway tree inspection, please call (714) 593-4433 or (714) 593-4600. 

Assistance

It is the policy of the City of Fountain Valley to assist the property owner in the removal and replacement of undesirable parkway trees only. Removal and replacement of an undesirable parkway tree may be accomplished in one of two ways:

• Procedure #1: Complete Tree Removal by the Property Owner/City Plants a New Tree
  • Property owner requests a parkway tree inspection and receives permission from the Director of Public Works to remove and replace the parkway tree.
  • Property owner pays for a Tree Removal/Replacement Permit at the Public Works counter in City Hall per current city fee schedule and selects a replacement tree from the City’s Authorized Tree List (PDF).
  • Property owner or a licensed arborist contractor cuts down the tree, removes the stump and the roots, fills in and levels off the hole, disposes of the plant waste material, and cleans the sidewalk and adjacent area affected by the work.
  • City crew and/or City approved contractor plants a new approved parkway tree.
• Procedure #2: The City Removes the Parkway Tree and Plants a New Tree
  • Property owner requests a parkway tree inspection and receives permission from the Director of Public Works to remove and replace the parkway tree.
  • Property owner pays for the City to remove the parkway tree and plant a new approved tree from the City's Authorized Tree List (PDF) per current city fee schedule.
  • City crew and/or City approved contractor cuts down the tree, removes the stump and roots, fills in and levels off the hole, disposes of the plant waste material, and cleans up the sidewalk and adjacent areas upon completion of work.
  • City crew and/or City approved contractor plants a new approved parkway tree.

Important Note

The City of Fountain Valley will repair damage to irrigation lines caused by removal of a tree or root structure by the City. The City of Fountain Valley is not responsible for the repair or replacement of any parkway turf, plant material, hardscape, or structures in connection with the removal of a tree or root structures.

The resident shall water the tree as needed and keep the tree free from overgrown weeds or any obstructions contrary to public safety. The resident shall not intentionally damage, injure, or kill the tree or replace with a tree not on the City’s Authorized Tree List.