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Homeowner Fined $6,475 for Illegal Tree Pruning in SF

4/3/2026

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Story summary
  • Paul Dennes, a San Francisco homeowner, was fined $50,000 for illegally pruning five public trees to meet insurance requirements.
  • He claimed he was unaware of the 2017 policy shifting tree maintenance to the San Francisco Department of Public Works.
  • After an administrative hearing, the fine dropped to $6,475, contingent on hiring a certified arborist for a recovery plan.
  • Residents should check the city’s street tree map before maintenance.