Sacramento aims to double its tree canopy by planting thousands of trees annually
- The city of Sacramento has approved an urban forest plan to increase its tree canopy.
- The initiative targets underserved neighborhoods, aiming to plant 25,000 trees every year.
- This plan addresses equity and health issues associated with urban heat and tree coverage.
In Sacramento, California, local authorities have set ambitious plans to enhance the city’s green spaces significantly. As part of an urban forest initiative, the city aims to boost its tree canopy coverage from 19% to 35% by the year 2045. To achieve this, the city has committed to planting 25,000 trees annually, focusing particularly on underserved communities identified as ‘heat islands’ on regional maps. This effort is fueled by the need for more trees in certain neighborhoods that have historically faced environmental inequities. The decision arose from discussions surrounding climate health and social equity. Officials believe that the lack of trees in lower-income areas correlates directly with diminished health and well-being for the residents. City Councilman Roger Dickinson noted that neighborhoods with fewer trees often correspond to less affluent areas, which struggle to afford the maintenance and upkeep related to urban greenery. Rachel Patten, a climate action lead for Sacramento, elaborated on this by explaining that communities lacking adequate tree coverage face more heat and associated health risks. Anticipating the mobilization of resources for the tree-planting aspirations, budget allocations of around $8 million were designated for this environmental push. Partnerships are also forming with local organizations such as the Sacramento Tree Foundation and various utility services to ensure a collaborative approach to meet these goals. Recent efforts in tree planting have already laid the groundwork, with 2,500 city-planted trees and an additional 3,000 trees planted by the Sacramento Tree Foundation within municipal borders last year. As the city gears up to commence these extensive planting efforts by fall 2025, community engagement will be pivotal. The initiative not only seeks to beautify the city but also aims to provide essential shade and reduce electricity costs while significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents in historically overlooked areas. With this program in place, the hope is for broader health benefits linked to increased outdoor activities, cleaner air, and improved urban aesthetics across Sacramento's varied neighborhoods.