Citywide Landscape and Emergency Tree Contracts
Summary
The council moved toward letting any homeowner remove trees within five feet of a structure to create defensible space — provided they keep that strip ember-resistant — addressing both wildfire risk and home insurance non-renewals. Replacement rules for development projects in high fire zones were also loosened from a value-based formula to a flat two-trees-per-tree-removed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
Tree planting citywide could drop roughly 30% based on last year's numbers, and permits still apply.
Homeowners trying to create defensible space and keep their insurance.
Residents who value the city's tree canopy, since large healthy trees will be easier to remove.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council - Jul 1, 2026
The city locked in who keeps Saratoga's medians, rights-of-way and park grounds looking maintained for FY 2026-27 — about $618,000 in landscape and emergency tree work combined.
Joint Session - Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and Building Owners - Jul 1, 2026
The Council locked in crews for 2026-27: Dinsmore handles medians, parks, and now parking districts for about $518,000, and two tree companies are on call for storm emergencies. Irrigation work is being split into its own contract to control costs.
Joint Session - San Jose Animal Control - May 20, 2026
Four properties flagged by the county fire department still have hazardous weeds and brush. The council set a June 17 hearing before referring them to the county weed abatement program, where costs can be charged to property owners' taxes.
City Council - Feb 4, 2026
The council amended tree regulations to strengthen fire protection measures citywide, a response to wildfire risk.
City Council - Jan 21, 2026
The council moved toward letting any homeowner remove trees within five feet of a structure to create defensible space — provided they keep that strip ember-resistant — addressing both wildfire risk and home insurance non-renewals. Replacement rules for development projects in high fire zones were also loosened from a value-based formula to a flat two-trees-per-tree-removed.
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