Tree Care & Programs

Step 1: Check Location

Planting the right tree in the right place is vital for a successful planting. Location is key because it provides adequate growing space and maximizes the tree's potential. Avoid blocking the traffic line-of-sight spots or power lines (any tree planted under power lines must be of small stature). The city requires these setback distances:

• 15 feet from all utilities, including light poles, fire hydrants, and utility boxes.
• 10 feet from the edge of the driveway and curb stops.
• 25 feet from the inside of the intersection.
• 35 feet between trees.

Step 2: Review City Laws

• City of Rochester owns the public right of way, including streets, sidewalks, and alleys
• City-trained crews are responsible for the pruning & maintenance of trees in boulevards
• Turf maintenance in the boulevard is the responsibility of the landowner
• All new plans for tree or vegetation planting in the public right-of-way (other than turf) require a permit
• Please visit our website for an application and an approved list of boulevard tree species.

Step 1: Move Tree

• Don't carry a tree by the trunk unless it's bare root
• Use tarps, ropes, or a dolly to move containerized trees

Step 2: Remove Trunk and Branch Packaging

Step 3: Prune Critical Branches

• Broken, dead, or competing branch leaders
• Prune as little as possible- trees need their leaves to adjust to planting shock
• Avoid pruning elm and oak during the summer and spring months

Step 4: Remove Access Soil

• Only relevant to containerized and burlap
• Remove soil until the main roots are located
• Burlap- only remove the top of the burlap
• Container- remove the tree from the entire container

Step 5: Remove Problem Roots

• Small roots above the main root system
• Roots that are "turning" around/ girdling the tree

Step 6: Measure and Dig

• Measure the height and width of the root ball
• The hole should be 2x the width of the root ball
• Place the tree in the hole and straighten it
• Remove any burlap (if applicable)

Step 7: Backfill with Same Soil

• Use the same soil to fill in the hole
• Break up soil clumps

Step 8: Water and Mulch

• Water the entire hole and root ball (approx. 10 gal)
• Add 2-4" layer of mulch (do not touch trunk)