Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get a tree planted in front of my house?

Answer: The Forestry Division plants trees in the “tree lawn,” the city right-of-way typically found between the curb and sidewalk. These trees are planted at no cost to the adjoining property owners.

Requests for street trees are taken from January 1 to June 1 each year and are planted from November to April. The tree lawn must be at least 36 inches wide for a tree to be planted. Residents can call the Citizens Service Bureau at 622-4800 to request a tree.

For more information, go to: Street Tree Information

2. Can I pick the type of tree I would like?

Answer: You can tell us your favorite species and we will send an urban forester to your property to see if it will thrive in that location. Every effort is made to accommodate your request but the final decision is made by the urban forester based on the best tree for the location.

A list of trees with detailed growth descriptions is on our web site: Street Tree Information

3. Who owns and maintains the tree?

Answer: Trees on the tree lawn are owned and maintained by the City of St. Louis. We will trim the tree on our schedule after receiving a request from the Citizens Service Burea. We ask is that you water it once a week during the hot and dry summer months.

Read about tree care at: Street Tree Care

4. What if I need to have it trimmed or branches fall?

Answer: Just call the Citizens Service Bureau at 622-4800 and the Forestry Division will take care of the tree.

More details are on the web site: Street Tree Care

5. The house next door has weeds growing two feet high and they won’t take care of it. What can be done about it?

Answer: The Forestry Division will send an inspector to the house and notify the property owner. If the property owner does not cut the weeds, we will cut them and bill the owner for the service. Just call the Citizens Service Bureau at 622-4800 to report the property.

For more about weeds and debris removal see: Weed Control

6. Where can I get free mulch from the city?

Answer: The Compost Section takes the yard waste generated by city residents and the Forestry Division and recycles it for use as compost and mulch, which is available free to all city residents.

Mulch and compost are available at various sites throughout the city for residential use. You can call 613-7200 or 868-1612 for a location near your home.

For more information on the program, see the web site: Compost

7. I have been working in my yard and have too much yard waste to put into the Dumpster. What can I do with it?

Answer: City residents with large amounts of yard waste can dispose of it once a month at the composting site at 560 Terminal Row (located off Hall Street) in the Baden area. The site is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday except holidays. It is closed in January and February.

Read more at: Compost

8. My neighbor has a tree in his yard that is dead. The branches that extend into my yard and into the street. They are dead and I am afraid they will fall onto my house. What can be done about trees on private property?

Answer: The city has ordinances that govern trees on private property. The owner is required to remove hazardous/dead trees. If it is not done, the Forestry Division’s contractor will cut it down and the owner will be billed.

Read the city’s ordinances on trees: Tree Ordinances

9. Does the city provide free firewood?

Answer: Yes, there is free firewood in the Upper Muny parking lot in Forest Park from late fall until March. All wood comes from the removal of dead or damaged trees from the city’s streets or parks. Wood will vary in size and species and is offered on a first come, first served basis.

The first date the wood is available and other information is at: Firewood

10. My co-workers would like to plant a tree in the city in memory of one of our friends who died. How do we do it?

Answer: The Forestry Division has created “Tree-Membrance” as a way for people to honor or remember a loved one. Trees cost $100 and can be planted in any city park, including Forest Park.

After planting, the Forestry Division sends a map with the location of the tree noted. Each tree is tagged with the name of the person to whom the tree is dedicated and the species of the tree.

To participate in the Tree-Membrance program, call Christine McCarthy, urban forester, at the Forestry Division at 289-5318 and request an application.

A printable order form is available on the web site: Memorial Trees