2025 SDAPA Award: Equity Driven Tree Planting Program

08/18/26

The County of San Diego’s (County’s) Sustainability Planning Division, within the Planning & Development Services Department, is proud to celebrate a major milestone for the Equity- Driven Tree Planting Program (ETDPP). In June 2026, the program received the ‘Resilience and Sustainability Award of Excellence’ from the American Planning Association, California Chapter, San Diego Section (SDAPA) in recognition of outstanding achievements during 2025. This award honors planning efforts that successfully integrate environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community well-being into long-term regional strategies.

The EDTPP was established to expand urban tree canopy on private property, where tree canopy analyses found the greatest potential for meaningful growth. To ensure program investments were data-driven and equitable, the County completed a comprehensive Tree Equity Study that expanded upon nationally recognized methodologies to include the unique needs of rural communities throughout the unincorporated county. The study produced community-level Tree Equity Scores, enabling the program to prioritize resources where increased tree canopy can provide the greatest environmental and community benefits.

County staff receiving an award

From its inception, the EDTPP was shaped through collaboration with an Equity Working Group composed of representatives from community-based organizations with expertise in equity and environmental justice. Together, the group developed the EDTPP Recommendations Report, which continues to guide program implementation. Their recommendations incorporated valuable cultural and community perspectives, including minimizing reliance on broadband-based outreach and offering a diverse selection of tree species appropriate for the county's varied climate zones.

The EDTPP Private Property Tree Planting Initiative officially launched in September 2025 with the goal of increasing tree canopy throughout unincorporated communities by providing residents with free trees to plant on their own properties. By removing financial barriers and empowering residents to participate directly in expanding the urban forest, the program is helping improve access to the many environmental, economic, and public health benefits that trees provide.

Program accomplishments to date include:

  • Completing a comprehensive Tree Equity Study for all unincorporated communities.
  • Convening an Equity Working Group consisting of 10 community-based organizations representing equity and environmental justice interests, resulting in the EDTPP Recommendations Report.
  • Prioritizing program resources for communities with the greatest need for increased tree canopy.
  • Hosting 13 community tree distribution events.
  • Distributing 2,955 trees representing 57 species, including native, climate-ready, and edible varieties, since September 2025.
  • Serving 895 households and property owners throughout the unincorporated county.
County staff receiving an award

This award recognizes not only the success of the program itself, but also the dedication and collaboration of County staff, community partners, volunteers, and residents who have made it possible. Every tree distributed represents a long-term investment in cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, improved stormwater management, expanded wildlife habitat, and healthier, more resilient communities.

Residents interested in participating in the Equity Driven Tree Planting Program can learn more and apply by visiting the County's EDTPP webpage.

Those interested in volunteering at upcoming community tree distribution events, please contact America.Aceves@sdcounty.ca.gov, or visit the County Parks Volunteer webpage for upcoming opportunities.