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1. Can I remove the park strip tree in front of my home?

The City’s Urban Forester is responsible for assessing and approving all removal of City Trees. In most cases, if the tree is in poor condition or dead, a City crew will be responsible for the removal. In some cases however a permit for removal may be issued to a resident, but in all cases, the Urban Forester must first assess the tree to determine the best course of action. To schedule a visit with the Urban Forester, please call Parks at 801-629-8284. Find more information by viewing the

Ogden City Code.

2. Do I need permission to trim my tree?

Yes, if the tree is located within City Right of Way, the Urban Forester must first assess the tree. The City has a crew that prunes, plants and removes trees located on City property however, at times may issue a permit to the resident for pruning. The best course of action is to call Parks at 801-629-8284. Learn more by viewing the

Ogden City Code.

3. The tree in front of my home is getting too tall. Can I “top” this tree?

No, “Topping” is an antiquated method of reducing the overall height of a tree through poor arboricultural practice. It is prohibited for use on City Trees. If you are thinking of “Topping” a tree within your property, please reconsider and use an accepted method of pruning. The best course of action begins with contacting a qualified professional.

If the tree is located on City Right of Way, please call The City’s Urban Forester at 801-629-8284. If the tree is located on your private property, you might begin with contacting a Certified Arborist. Find a list of qualified individuals and companies that do work throughout the state on the

Utah Community Forest Council website.

4. How do I know if the tree is mine or if it is a city tree?

Is the tree located between curb and sidewalk? If so, the tree is on City Right of Way. If no sidewalk exists, the general rule is the first ten feet back of curb falls within City Right of Way. If no curb exists, it is best to contact Parks at 801-629-8284 to find out where the actual property line begins.

5. Do I have to have a tree in my parking strip?

Yes, there are three options for landscaping in parking strips. They are contained in the City’s Zoning Ordinance and all include the use of trees. Fore more information view the City's Code of Ordinances.

6. What type of tree will live without water?

All trees will need some supplemental water to survive, especially during the establishment period. There are numerous varieties approved for planting along City streets that are drought tolerant and well suited for Utah’s harsh climate. Review the Ogden Tree Selection Guide, the Ogden City Tree Matrix or contact the Urban Forester at 801-629-8284 for ideas and suggestions for drought tolerant species.

7. What can I plant in my parking strip?

There are many tree varieties that vary in size, color and shape approved for planting in your park strip. The best choice for you will depend on the planting space available, whether overhead utility is present, and your particular location within the City. The Ogden City Tree Selection Guide is a great reference to get you started.

Because you will need a permit to plant, please contact Public Works at 801-629-8271 after you have reviewed options in the Selection Guide and the Ogden City Tree Matrix.

Information you will need for the permit is: park strip width (distance between curb and sidewalk) and overall length, the presence of overhead utility lines in the vicinity of the proposed planting area, location of drive and sidewalk approaches and locations and types of any signs within the park strip area.

8. My tree is looking unhealthy. What can I do?

There are many reasons a tree may decline. Park strips are tough environments to survive in. Water and available rooting space are likely limiting factors to their growth. A good place to start is in checking to see if the tree is receiving adequate water. Larger trees certainly need more water than small trees and all trees will require more water when temperatures are high.

The Utah State University Extension Service at the Ogden Botanical Gardens located at: Utah State University Extension Office 1750 Monroe Boulevard Utah, Ogden 84401

Utah State University Extension Services offers a plant diagnostic clinic every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. May through September where residents can take samples for diagnosis and plant care advice. Extension employees are also available for horticulture related questions at 801-399-8080. They are on-site at the Gardens March through October.

The City Urban Forester is also a resource to be used and can be reached by calling Parks at 801-629-8284.

9. Can I still plant a tree under overhead utility lines?

Yes, please review the Ogden Tree Selection Guide. Trees approved for planting under overhead lines are noted and are almost entirely contained within the section titled “Small Trees” There are some exceptions however. 25 feet is the maximum height at maturity approved for planting under overhead utility. A more extensive list is found in the Ogden Tree Matrix. After reviewing options, please contact Parks at 801-629-8284 to obtain a free permit from the Urban Forester

10. Will the City provide a tree for my parking strip?

Yes, we provide more than two hundred trees to residents every year to be planted in parking strips throughout the City. The Ogden Tree Nursery is located at:

Ogden Tree Nursery 1845 Monroe Boulevard (Green Waste Site) Ogden, UT 84401 The Ogden Tree Nursery is open each spring throughout the month of April. The trees are given away on a first come, first served basis as long as supplies last. As spring approaches, detailed information on dates and times will be posted in the “At Your Service” newsletter that arrives with your water bill.

11. Why do I need a permit to plant a tree in my park strip?

Acquiring a free permit gives the Urban Forester the opportunity to ensure the right tree is planted in the right place. This will help reduce future tree related problems that end up costing the taxpayer. It also gives us a chance to educate the resident in proper planting techniques. The right tree properly planted in the right place will enhance our community throughout a long life.