Empty tree beds offer a great opportunity to beautify our neighborhoods and support pollinators. Here’s how to do it responsibly and in line with city expectations:

General Guidelines

• No permit is required to plant flowers in a tree bed without a tree.
• Property owners are responsible for maintaining any flowers or plants in the tree bed. If you’re not the owner, please coordinate with them before planting.
• Avoid obstructing sidewalks: If your plants grow into the pedestrian path or become difficult to maintain, the property owner may receive a warning letter, especially if ADA access is impacted.
• Be aware: If the city or property owner decides to plant a tree in the bed, your plantings may be removed without notice.

For sidewalk landscaping (which follows different rules), visit the SFPW Sidewalk Landscaping Permit page.

Planting Tips from Susan Karasoff, RHN Parks Chair and California Native Plant Society Member

• Install a low fence for the first 3 years to protect young plants from foot traffic and pets.
• Assign a steward (or team) to water new plants for at least 1 year, and new trees for 3 years. Without consistent watering, plants won’t survive.
• Choose plants wisely: Look for long-blooming, evergreen species that grow 1–3 feet tall. This avoids sightline issues and discourages littering.

Recommended Flowering Plants for Tree Beds

☀️ Full Sun

• California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
• Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica)
• Dune Bush Lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) – sand only
• Deerweed (Acmispon glaber) – prefers sand
• Coast Buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium/nudum) – sand only

🌤️ Sun to Part Shade

• California Aster (Symphyotrichum chilense)
• Grindelia (Grindelia camporum/hirsutula)
• Goldenrod (Solidago velutina ssp. californica)
• Hooker’s Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata)
• Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
• Hedge Nettle (Stachys spp.)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) – non-native, edible, needs extra water in drought years

🌳 Bushes (Not Trees) for Height & Presence

• Malva Rosa (Malva assurgentiflora)
• Pink Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum/aurem)

 Helpful Resources

• Calscape Plant Finder
• SF Street Tree Map
• Street Tree List
• Interactive Tree Map

Disclaimer: This guidance is for general informational purposes only. For questions about regulations, plant selection, or any aspect of planting in public tree beds, please contact the San Francisco Department of Public Works or visit their official website.