FAQs • Nampa Parks and Rec, ID • CivicEngage

Why do I need a permit to plant or remove a tree in the public right of way?

A permit to plant or remove a tree in a Public Right of Way is required by City Ordinance. There is no fee for the permit. The forestry department regulates the planting and removal of ROW trees for several reasons, including location and tree species

Location

The location for planting individual trees along the street right-of-way is selected by the forester to ensure that trees will not interfere with:

Other Trees
Site-Distance at Intersection
Traffic Signals
Utility Lines
Water Lines

Species

Only species approved by the city forester may be planted along the street right-of-way. Keep in mind that only trees listed on an individual permit may be planted at a given site. The forester considers the space available along with other factors such as proximity to neighboring trees and overhead wires to recommend trees that are best suited for each site. This will avoid problems with a tree species being planted that is too large or unsuited for the available space.

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Forestry Department

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1. What is the definition of a public right of way?: A public right of way is defined as an improved or unimproved public property dedicated or deeded to the City for the purpose of providing vehicular, pedestrian, and public use.

2. When was the Right of Way Program developed?: The City of Nampa’s Right of Way Tree Planting Program was established in 1991 to promote our urban forest and to assist property owners in the planting of trees within their right of way. In 1999, the Right of Way planting area was expanded to include 15 feet beyond the property’s original right of way. This expanded the planting area enabling more property owners the opportunity to participate in the program.

3. Why do I need a permit to plant or remove a tree in the public right of way?

Location

The location for planting individual trees along the street right-of-way is selected by the forester to ensure that trees will not interfere with:

Other Trees
Site-Distance at Intersection
Traffic Signals
Utility Lines
Water Lines

Species

4. Does the City of Nampa Forestry Division prune the trees in the right of way or is that the property owner’s responsibility?: The owner of the abutting property, at the owner’s expense, shall prune all trees located within the public right of way.

5. My street tree has a broken branch, who do I call?: If a tree has a broken branch in the right-of-way you may call the City Forester at 468-5723 to obtain a permit. There is no fee for the permit. The City Forester can give guidelines on proper procedures to care for the tree or give you information to contact a licensed tree company to perform the work.

6. What is a right of way tree?: Usually, if the tree is between the street and sidewalk it is considered a right-of-way tree. If in doubt, please check with the city forester at 468-5723 for clarification.

7. How do I get my right of way tree trimmed?: Contact a licensed tree company. Remember that a permit is required.

8. Do you trim private trees?: No we do not trim private trees. The City trims only trees that interfere with street sign visibility, vision triangles, and city roadwork.

9. Does the City of Nampa Forestry Division trim around wires?

No. Idaho Power hires qualified line clearing contractors to keep the power lines clear. Idaho Power has the knowledge to create necessary line clearances while at the same time considering each tree's species, size, and natural shape.

If you have a tree near a power line that you think needs to be pruned or removed, or if you notice a tree interfering with power lines, contact Idaho Power at 800-488-6151.

10. What can be done about tree limbs from my neighbor’s property overhanging my property?: If tree limbs from your neighbor’s tree overhang your property it is suggested you ask the neighbor if they will take care of the situation or give you permission to trim the tree. Hopefully, this problem can be handled with out dispute.

11. My tree on private property has an insect/disease problem. Can the city forester look at it?: No, at this time the city does not have the resources to provide this service; you need to call a private arborist.

12. What type or types of trees can I plant on the city right-of-way in front of my house?

A permit must be obtained before planting a tree in the Right of Way. There is no charge for the permit. Please contact the City Forester at 208-468-5723.

Typically low to medium height trees that are not deemed a nuisance and are adapted to Nampa’s climate and can be pruned away from power lines, road and sidewalk surfaces are allowed. However, the City of Nampa specifies which species of trees can be planted in the right of way. A complete list of allowable trees is available from the City Forester.

13. What trees will not be approved for the right of way?

The following list of trees are not approved:

Species	Variety	Reason for Not Being Approved
Ash	European (Fraxinus excelsior ‘Kimberly Blue’)	Problems with grafted stock. Short lived.
Birch	Weeping or white (Betula papyrifera, Betula pendula)	Does not tolerate summer heat. Susceptible to Bronze Birch Borers.
Box Elder	(Acer negundo)	Shallow root system, soft and brittle wood, short lived, subject to wind break age which can be damaging to property.
Cottonwoods	Poplars, Willows (Salix genus)	Very brittle wood. Shallow root systems will heave sidewalks and invade sewer lines and foundations. Aphids feed vigorously on foliage.
Elms	(Ulmus species)	Susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, and a variety of other insects and diseases. A very high maintenance tree that must be sprayed two to three times a year for elm leaf beetle control.
Honeylocust	Thorned (Gleditsia triancanthos)	Large, thorny branches are hazardous. Messy seed pods.
Locust	Black (Robinia pseudoacacia)	Extremely susceptible to locust borer attack, presently a major problem in our area. Subject to wind damage due to shallow root system and weak branches. Branches have prickly spines.
Maple	Red (Acer rubrum)	Soft, brittle wood and shallow root system. Very susceptible to cottony scale and aphid attack. Some varieties within this species may be allowable. Does not do well in full sun.
Maple	Silver (Acer saccharinum)	Soft, brittle wood subject to breakage. Shallow roots can be damaging to sidewalks and foundations. Very susceptible to scale and aphids.
Sycamore	(Platanus occidentalis)	Susceptible to anthracnose. Constantly dropping leaves, twigs, and fruit are a problem. Requires frequent pruning.
Tuliptree	(Liriodendron tulipifera)	Very susceptible to leaf scorch. Brittle wood and aphids are a problem.
Walnut	Black (Juglans nigra)	Heavy infestations of aphids causes an unpleasant ‘honeydew’ drip. Large, acidic nut can be a problem. The leaves, fruit, and roots of this genus can be toxic to nearby plants.