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One of the first things you notice when driving through Willow Glen isn’t necessarily the houses.
It’s the trees.
On many of Willow Glen’s established residential streets, mature trees frame the homes, shade sidewalks and contribute to the leafy character people associate with this part of San Jose.
After living in Willow Glen for more than 20 years, it’s something I probably take for granted sometimes—until I drive through a newer neighborhood and realize just how much mature landscaping changes the feel of a street.
But if you own or are considering buying a home here, those beautiful trees come with something else you should understand:
responsibility.
San José has specific rules governing street trees and certain trees on private property. So before you remove that giant tree blocking your remodel—or even start pruning the tree in front of your house—it’s worth understanding what you’re allowed to do.
Why Trees Are Such a Big Part of Willow Glen’s Character
Willow Glen has been developing for generations, and that history is reflected in its landscaping.
Drive through different parts of the neighborhood and you’ll find mature street trees alongside older Craftsman homes, Spanish-style properties, ranch homes and newer construction.
The result is something you simply can’t recreate overnight.
A newly planted tree may eventually develop into a beautiful shade tree, but a mature neighborhood canopy takes decades to establish.
For homeowners, that makes caring for existing trees an important part of maintaining the character of the property—and the street around it. The result is something you simply can’t recreate overnight. A newly planted tree may eventually develop into a beautiful shade tree, but a mature neighborhood canopy takes decades to establish.
Those tree-lined streets also play a role in something else I love about living here: Willow Glen’s outdoor, neighbor-to-neighbor lifestyle. I wrote more about that in The Front Porch Culture: Why Living in Willow Glen Feels Different, where I share how porches, sidewalks and everyday interactions help create the neighborhood feel Willow Glen is known for.
For homeowners, caring for existing trees is an important part of maintaining the character of the property—and the street around it.
Before Removing a Large Tree, Check San José’s Rules
This is where homeowners need to pay attention.
San José regulates the removal of several categories of trees, including street trees, heritage trees and ordinance-size trees.
As of 2026, an ordinance-size tree on private property is generally defined as:
- A single-trunk tree measuring at least 38 inches in circumference at 4½ feet above the ground, or
- A multi-trunk tree whose combined trunk circumferences total at least 38 inches when measured at that same height.
If a tree meets the applicable criteria, you may need a permit before removing it.
That’s particularly important if you’re buying an older Willow Glen property with plans for a major remodel, addition, ADU or backyard redesign.
Don’t assume a tree can simply come down because it’s located on your property.
Before designing around its removal, determine what type of tree it is, where it’s located and what San José’s current regulations allow.
City of San José Tree Removal Permits
What About the Tree Between the Sidewalk and Street?
Here’s another detail that can surprise homeowners.
A tree in the public right-of-way adjacent to your property is generally considered a street tree, and San José requires property owners to obtain a permit before pruning, removing or planting one. The permits are free.
At the same time, adjacent property owners are generally responsible for maintaining those street trees—including watering, pruning and pest management.
So there’s an interesting distinction:
You may be responsible for maintaining the tree, but that doesn’t mean you have unrestricted authority to alter or remove it.
That’s worth knowing before calling someone with a chainsaw.
The City also regulates work that can affect a street tree’s critical root zone, which can become relevant during construction or landscaping projects.
San José Street Tree Permit Information
The Trees and Sidewalks Are Connected
If you’ve spent enough time walking through an established neighborhood, you’ve probably seen what mature tree roots can do to sidewalks.
In San José, adjacent property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, park strip, driveway approach, curb and gutter alongside their property.
That means buyers evaluating an older Willow Glen property should look beyond the house itself.
Take a walk around the property and look at:
- Mature trees and visible root systems
- Sidewalk condition
- Raised or uneven concrete
- The park strip between the sidewalk and curb
- Branches overhanging the home
- Landscaping that may require significant maintenance
None of those things automatically makes a property problematic.
They’re simply part of understanding what you’re buying.
Gardening Under Willow Glen’s Mature Trees
The other side of having mature trees is figuring out what to plant underneath them.
Some Willow Glen yards receive abundant sunshine, while others have substantial shade from mature trees.
That means I wouldn’t choose plants simply because they look beautiful in another San Jose yard.
Before landscaping, pay attention to how much direct sunlight different parts of your property actually receive throughout the day and during different seasons.
You should also consider drainage, irrigation, existing root systems and soil conditions before making major changes.
For a significant landscape redesign—especially around established trees—working with a qualified landscape professional or arborist can help you choose plants and improvements appropriate for the specific property.
Landscaping Matters When You’re Selling, Too
As a Realtor, this is where I see landscaping from another perspective.
The front yard is one of the first things a buyer experiences.
Before they’ve walked through the front door, they’ve already seen the trees, walkway, lawn or garden, exterior condition and overall presentation of the property.
That doesn’t mean you need an elaborate landscape design before selling.
Sometimes simple maintenance makes the biggest difference:
Trim overgrown landscaping appropriately. Clean up leaves and debris. Refresh tired planting beds. Make sure pathways are clear. Address obviously dead landscaping and give buyers a clean, welcoming approach to the house.
The goal isn’t to turn the yard into a botanical garden.
It’s to make the property feel cared for.
Buying a Willow Glen Home With Mature Trees? Do Your Homework
If you’re considering a home with large or mature trees, I’d add tree-related questions to your normal property due diligence.
Find out whether you’re dealing with a private tree, street tree or designated heritage tree.
If you’re planning construction, understand whether existing trees could affect those plans.
And if the condition of a large tree concerns you, consider having it evaluated by an appropriately qualified arborist rather than trying to determine its health yourself.
This is particularly important when your future plans for the property depend on changing the landscaping or footprint of the home.
Rooted in Willow Glen
Willow Glen’s mature landscaping is part of what gives many of its streets their established character.
But owning a home with mature trees also means understanding how to care for them—and knowing when San José’s tree regulations apply.
That’s one more reason I encourage buyers to look beyond bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage when they’re comparing Willow Glen homes.
Look at the lot.
Look at the trees.
Walk the sidewalk.
Think about how you want to use the outdoor space.
And if you’re dreaming about a remodel, addition or completely redesigned yard, investigate what’s possible before assuming everything on the lot can be changed.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Willow Glen, I’d be happy to help you look at the complete property—not just what’s inside the front door.
GET YOUR FREE HOME SELLING BOOK
About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
