Trees
A healthy tree canopy provides the community with cleaner air and cooler temperatures. Trees replenish the groundwater, enhance public health, and create vibrant, livable neighborhoods. Sacramento Tree foundation
Kentfield Common's tree-lined streets are a defining characteristic of our neighborhood. Hundreds of large stately trees - live oaks, coastal redwoods, maples, and magnolias - form a canopy over our neighborhood. The HOA follows federal, state, and local guidelines to protect these natural assets. Please do your part to maintain the health and beauty of this urban forest.
Kentfield Common's tree-lined streets are a defining characteristic of our neighborhood. Hundreds of large stately trees - live oaks, coastal redwoods, maples, and magnolias - form a canopy over our neighborhood. The HOA follows federal, state, and local guidelines to protect these natural assets. Please do your part to maintain the health and beauty of this urban forest.
- The HOA maintains trees with irrigation and professional pruning. (See Tree Maintenance and Care below)
- Homeowners are responsible for removals, replacements, and other tree related work on individual lots. (See Tree Replacements and Planting below)
Homeowners must obtain HOA approval and Tree Permits from Redwood City before pruning or engaging in any tree related work.
Redwood City Tree Preservation Ordinance: Trees significantly enhance the overall beauty of the environment and raise the quality of life for all who live and work in the city. The Tree Preservation Ordinance protects trees on private property. Although they belong to the property owners, trees have an impact on the quality of life of our entire community. These trees grow in the City's urban forest and contribute as much, if not more, to the quality of life of a neighborhood than city-owned street trees and park trees.
This ordinance governs trees of any species that have grown to a size greater than 12 inches in diameter (38 inches in circumference) - measured at the largest point between six inches and 36 inches above ground. For trees of this size, a permit is required prior to pruning or removal.
Proper pruning standards are encouraged to maximize the health and beauty of the tree and minimize potential problems. A tree takes many years to grow and only minutes to cut down. Removal is the last resort option, when no other reasonable alternative can correct a problem. The Public Works Department strives to plant more trees then are removed each year."
See Redwood City Tree Preservation Ordinance and Permit Applications
Federal, State, and Local Tree Resources:
US Environment Protection Agency: Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands
Redwood City: Tree Preservation and Maintenance
Redwood City: Tree Permit Application Resources
Sacramento Tree Foundation
Arbor Day Foundation
Tree Maintenance and Care
Irrigation: Trees need careful irrigation, mulching, and pruning. Our landscapers are constantly monitoring and adjust the irrigation to keep our trees healthy while staying within the water budget. Please do not turn off your front yard irrigation. Many trees, including our Coastal Redwoods, rely on this irrigation to survive the summer months. Contact the association manager if you notice any trees that need more irrigation or special attention.
Pruning: The HOA hires certified arborists to evaluate all of the trees twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall. They perform the pruning that is professionally recommended to produce healthy, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing trees.
Please note: The HOA's arborist evaluates trees for the above-ground pruning that is included in the HOA's regular landscape maintenance only. If you have any other concerns about your trees, please consult with a Certified Arborist of your choice. Homeowners are responsible for tree removals and replacements, root barriers, and other projects related to the care of their properties.
Pruning: The HOA hires certified arborists to evaluate all of the trees twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall. They perform the pruning that is professionally recommended to produce healthy, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing trees.
- Emergency Storm Damage: Contact the Association Manager if you have a downed limb. The HOA clears broken branches as soon as the arborist can be scheduled to come onsite. This usually takes from 1 - 7 days depending on the amount of storm damage in the area.
- Homeowners who have special request for tree trimming can complete a Tree Trimming Request. The arborist evaluates all non-emergency tree trimming requests and competes the approved tree trimming twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. Please Note: The HOA only performs professionally recommended pruning.
Please note: The HOA's arborist evaluates trees for the above-ground pruning that is included in the HOA's regular landscape maintenance only. If you have any other concerns about your trees, please consult with a Certified Arborist of your choice. Homeowners are responsible for tree removals and replacements, root barriers, and other projects related to the care of their properties.
Tree Replacements and Planting
"The sales price of residential property has been shown to increase 1% for each large front yard tree and up to 10% for large specimen trees." (See Sacramento Tree Foundation.)
In keeping with Redwood City's goal to "permit and install the largest appropriate and desirable shade tree species", the HOA is committed to planting large street trees that grow to form a canopy over our homes, streets, and walkways. This enhances the look and feel of our neighborhood and maximizes our property values. (See Redwood City Master Tree List)
Our development was designed to have a large street tree between each home. And ideally, one or two understory trees up closer to the home.
Tree Size: Please plant 24" or 36" box sized trees.
In keeping with Redwood City's goal to "permit and install the largest appropriate and desirable shade tree species", the HOA is committed to planting large street trees that grow to form a canopy over our homes, streets, and walkways. This enhances the look and feel of our neighborhood and maximizes our property values. (See Redwood City Master Tree List)
Our development was designed to have a large street tree between each home. And ideally, one or two understory trees up closer to the home.
- If you are replacing a tree that is within 15ft of a street, select a Street Tree from the list below.
- If you are planting a tree further than 15ft from the street, you can select either a street tree or an Understory Tree.
Tree Size: Please plant 24" or 36" box sized trees.
Homeowners who would like to perform any pruning or tree related renovations must obtain both HOA approval and Tree Permits from Redwood City.
To Replace an Existing Tree:
1. Submit a Landscape Change Request for HOA approval.
Tip: These applications can be submitted concurrently.
To Plant Additional Trees: Simply submit a Landscape Change Request with your tree selection.
To Replace an Existing Tree:
1. Submit a Landscape Change Request for HOA approval.
- If your tree is not dead, please provide a certified arborist’s written report providing measurements, observations, and findings supporting their recommendation for removal.
- Select a tree from the appropriate tree list (below).
Tip: These applications can be submitted concurrently.
To Plant Additional Trees: Simply submit a Landscape Change Request with your tree selection.
Street Tree List
It is important that everyone does their part to maintain our tree lined streets by planting large trees near the street. If you need to replace a tree that is within 15ft of the street, please select a tree from this list.
Since the HOA is responsible for maintaining front yard trees with a collection of everyone’s assessment funds - often long after the member who planted the tree has left - the HOA is extremely careful about the trees that are planted to prevent costly problems for the membership in the future.
The trees on the HOA’s Street Trees lists grow to at least 30 feet providing screening between homes and shading along our streets. They have strong branches. They do not have surface roots and they don't drop excessive fruit, sap, or litter. This list is adjusted to maintain a healthy diversity of trees within the neighborhood. Homeowners must select from the current tree list.
Since the HOA is responsible for maintaining front yard trees with a collection of everyone’s assessment funds - often long after the member who planted the tree has left - the HOA is extremely careful about the trees that are planted to prevent costly problems for the membership in the future.
The trees on the HOA’s Street Trees lists grow to at least 30 feet providing screening between homes and shading along our streets. They have strong branches. They do not have surface roots and they don't drop excessive fruit, sap, or litter. This list is adjusted to maintain a healthy diversity of trees within the neighborhood. Homeowners must select from the current tree list.
Lacebark Elm, Chinese Elm
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This graceful tree is adorned with lustrous dark green leaves that turn shades of yellow, gold, orange, red and purple in the fall. A landscape standout, the lacebark elm has a sculptured form and distinctive bark with a mottled pattern, often with shades of brown, gray, green and orange. Lacebarks are technically deciduous, but in temperate areas like Redwood City leaves are replaced almost immediately making the tree appear almost evergreen - an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a tree that provides year round interest. |
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Lacebarks grow moderately fast, making it an especially good choice for designers looking for an elegant tree that will provide substance and architectural interest in just a few years time.
For More Info visit a Arbor Day Foundation Lacebark Elm |
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Autumn Gold Ginko
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Hailed as “undoubtedly one of the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees,” the ginkgo stands out. Unique, fan-shaped leaves turn a stunning yellow color in the fall. Ginkgos are a living fossil, the earliest leaf fossils date from 270 million years ago. Some Ginkgo's have been know to live for as long as 3000 years. Ginkgo trees establish easily but grow slowly - a good choice for patient homeowners who are willing to wait for a beautiful reward in the years to come. Deciduous.
For More Info visit Sacramento Tree Foundation Autumn Gold Ginko |
Chinese Pistache
Known as the “Ugly Duckling” of the tree world, the Chinese Pistache starts out as an unattractive and misshapen young tree but grows into a magnificent specimen with bright green leaves in the summer, and orange, scarlet, crimson and yellow leaves in the fall. Deciduous.
For more info visit Sacramento Tree Foundation Chinese Pistashe
For more info visit Sacramento Tree Foundation Chinese Pistashe
Red Maple
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Red maple is one of the best named of all trees, featuring something red in each of the seasons—buds in winter, flowers in spring, leafstalks in summer, and brilliant foliage in autumn. This pageant of color, along with the red maple's relatively fast growth and tolerance to a wide range of soils, makes it a widely planted favorite. Deciduous.
For more info visit Sacramento Tree Foundation Red Maple |
Schumard Oak
A stately, strong and long-lived tree with beautiful fall color, the Shumard oak is a great selection for yards. The Shumard Oak's dark glossy green leaves make a dramatic fall statement, turning brilliant red to red-orange. This adaptable species has been successfully grown in urban areas where air pollution, poor drainage, compacted soil, and drought are common.
The Shumard oak's small acorns are a favorite of deer and squirrels and several species of birds. Deciduous.
For more info visit Sacramento Tree Foundation Schumard Oak
The Shumard oak's small acorns are a favorite of deer and squirrels and several species of birds. Deciduous.
For more info visit Sacramento Tree Foundation Schumard Oak
If you are interested in planting something that isn't on the list, please submit a special request for approval. Please provide the exact type of tree and information showing that it will grow to at least 30ft and it is recommended as a good street tree.
Akebono Cherry
Akebono Cherry (also known as the Daybreak Yoshino Cherry) is a showy flowering lawn tree, with its graceful weeping form, and spectacular spring flowering display with white fragrant blossoms that are sometimes tinged with pink. The leaves are a rich green in the summer and turn golden yellow in the fall. Deciduous
For more info visit Arbor Day Foundation Akebono Cherry
For more info visit Arbor Day Foundation Akebono Cherry
Blanchard Magnolia
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Blanchard Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘D.D. Blanchard) . This cultivar like all southern magnolias is a striking choice with large glossy evergreen leaves and beautiful cream-colored scented flowers the bloom in spring and summer. Once the tree has established a deep strong root system, little care is needed. This particular cultivar can reach 30-50 feet in height. This Evergreen tree provides interest and beauty all year long.
For more info visit Missouri Botanical Garden, and search for Magnolia Blanchard. |
Between Driveway Tree Options
Little Gem MagnoliaLittle gem Magnolia tree has a more narrow upright growth pattern. They reach 25-30' tall with a 7-10' spread over time. This is a great option for owners looking for a privet replacmeent option. These last twon smaller trees are between driveways only as the assocation is actively trying to maintain tall street trees for the front of the lots.
Please feel free to learn more about this tree option at https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/products/little-gem-magnolia 
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Laurus nobilis 'Saratoga
Saratoga Laurel (male) is also a little smaller tree appropriate for the between driveway areas. They reach 25-30' with a 20-25' spread with pretty dark leaves.
Please feel free to learn more about this tree option at https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/laurus-saratoga
Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. ~Warren Buffett
