Efforts to grow San Diego’s urban forest hit a new milestone today, as Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Forester were in San Ysidro to mark the 1,000th tree planted as part of Trees for Communities. This initiative is focused on planting trees across the City to expand San Diego’s urban forest, with a focus on underserved communities. 

Under the initiative, arborists select and plant appropriate tree species based on location and with community input. The City is responsible for watering the new trees for the next three years and will provide ongoing maintenance.  

The first tree planted as part of Trees for Communities was in Logan Heights on Arbor Day, back in April.

Trees for Communities aligns with the City’s goal to reach 35% tree canopy cover by 2035. Trees create livable, walkable communities by cooling and shading our streets, improving air quality, providing stormwater runoff mitigation and so much more. A healthy, growing urban forest provides long-term environmental, social and economic benefits and is a key component of the City’s climate action targets. 

The Urban Forestry Program maintains over 250,000 street trees throughout the City and 600,000 trees in parks and open spaces.