San Diego Launched Tree Maintenance for Winter

City crews are trimming and removing street trees to prevent hazards during the upcoming El Nino winter season.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Landscaping

Bold vector illustration of a large urban tree with pruning shears at its base, representing proactive city maintenance in San Diego. — San Diego city crews have begun a citywide tree maintenance program to reduce potential storm damage throughout the upcoming winter season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust your local government to effectively maintain public trees before storm seasons arrive?

The City of San Diego has ramped up tree maintenance across the area to mitigate potential damage from expected wet and windy El Nino conditions. City crews are inspecting trees to address safety concerns, including scheduled removals and routine pruning.

Why it matters

Proactive tree management helps the city prevent property damage and public safety risks that are common during severe winter weather events. This maintenance effort ensures that aging or damaged trees do not become hazards during heavy rain or wind.

San Diego manages 250,000 street trees and 600,000 park trees, with removal protocols triggered by canopy damage exceeding 50 percent. Crews have begun site-specific work, including the management of an 80-foot Norfolk Island Pine.

The players

City of San Diego

This local authority manages municipal infrastructure, including the extensive urban forest of street and park trees.

The details

Crews are utilizing the Get It Done App to track and respond to resident concerns, while marking trees designated for removal with a white X. Specific maintenance is underway in Pacific Beach, including trimming branches of a Tipuana Tipu tree on Hornblend to ensure they do not impact a building.

Monday: City received a removal request for a Norfolk Island Pine.
Tuesday: City crews began maintenance work on Hornblend street trees.

Culture Shift

The reliance on digital platforms like the Get It Done App reflects a broader shift toward data-driven, responsive municipal governance. This model empowers residents to play an active role in urban safety and neighborhood upkeep through mobile technology.

Residents in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach may notice temporary parking or sidewalk closures while crews perform pruning or removals. Property owners can use the Get It Done App to report any trees showing signs of damage, helping the city prioritize its maintenance schedule.

The takeaway

Maintaining the urban canopy is a seasonal priority that requires cooperation between city officials and local residents. Homeowners should inspect their own properties for overhanging branches to minimize the risk of damage during the winter storm season.