Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program Logo

Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program Private Property Tree Planting Initiative

Program Contact: Magen Shaw  |  trees.LUEG@sdcounty.ca.gov

The County of San Diego’s (County's) Climate Action Plan (CAP) outlines measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve a goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. Measure A-2, outlines actions that the County will take to develop a tree planting program that expands tree canopy across the unincorporated area and prioritizes underserved communities. Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and improving our environment. The Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program (EDTPP) directly contributes to CAP goals in order to:

The EDTPP seeks to expand County tree planting efforts outside of the park system to other County-owned properties such as County facilities, rights of way, and easements, and within private property in the unincorporated area, and will also promote workforce development programs with a strong focus on frontline communities.

Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program Recommendations Report Cover Page

Historic inequalities in frontline communities will be addressed through an equity driven approach to tree canopy assessment and planting efforts, which will align the County’s approach to managing the urban forest with County initiatives focused on environmental justice, inclusion, and equity. A study of tree equity within the unincorporated areas of San Diego County was conducted, allowing unincorporated communities to be prioritized based on their need for trees. A working group comprised of environmental justice and equity-based organizations was also formed to help guide the EDTPP, resulting in the Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program Recommendations Report which includes and prioritizes equitable actions as well as a mission and vision statement for the program.

By participating in the EDTPP Private Property Tree Planting initiative, community members can actively contribute to the County’s CAP goals and help to create a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for generations to come. Together, we can reduce our carbon footprint, meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals, and foster thriving, sustainable communities.

Free 15-Gallon Trees for Private Properties

Tree Planting

Property owners in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County can receive 15-gallon tree(s) at no cost by participating in the EDTPP. To ensure the success of the initiative and the health of the trees, participants must:

  1. Fill out and submit an application, including property details, contact information, desired number of trees, and desired tree species.
  2. Provide a Property Owner Tree Planting Agreement signed by the legal property owner, and the ‘Site Contact,' if applicable.
  3. Agree to participation guidelines and reporting requirements.

Upcoming Events

Check back for information on future virtual workshops and public events!

Participation Guidelines

To participate in the Private Property Tree Planting Initiative, applicants must meet the following requirements:

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  • Property Ownership
    • Properties must be in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Verify property eligibility.
    • Applicants must be the legal owner(s) of the property where the tree(s) will be planted. Property ownership will be verified by the County.
    • Renters, property managers, and caretakers of properties located in the unincorporated area can be designated as a ‘Site Contact’ to act on behalf of the property owner. Please see the Property Owner Tree Planting Agreement for more information.

     

  • Planting Location
    • Tree(s) must be planted within the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
    • Tree(s) must be planted within the boundaries of the property included in the application and may not be planted in the public right-of-way adjacent to the property.
    • Tree(s) must be planted in the ground. Tree(s) cannot be planted within a pot, contained/enclosed planter or in other artificial environments. Note, large planters (more than 3’ in size) at ground level that do not have enclosed bottoms are acceptable planting locations for select tree species. Please see tree species profiles for planting space requirements.
    • Sun exposure, soil type, and drainage should be considered when choosing a location and selecting a tree species.

     

  • Space Requirements and Clearances

    Properties must have adequate space for the requested tree(s) to grow to maturity, considering both the tree species' size and the location of any nearby structures, overhead and underground utilities and utility boxes, or other obstacles (see tree species profile for space requirements).

    • Planting sites must be at least 10 feet from buildings, sidewalks, roadways, and other infrastructure, including fences and property lines.
    • Tree(s) must be planted a minimum of 15 feet from one another; spacing should be determined based on canopy size at maturity, so that tree canopies have at least 10 feet between them.
    • Tree planting locations and maintenance must be in compliance with the County Consolidated Fire Code and Defensible Space requirements.
    • Tree(s) cannot be planted under overhead utility lines or within 10 feet of utility boxes/ground transformers. For more information on utility clearances, please visit Tree Safety and Vegetation Management | San Diego Gas & Electric.

     

  • Agreement to Reporting Requirements
    • Participants must agree to report to the County the tree planting location(s) (address and GPS coordinates), planting date, and submit a photo of the planted tree(s), within 30 days of tree pickup.
    • Participants must agree to provide tree health reports annually for the first three years. Reporting requirements include submitting photos and completing a brief survey. This information will be used by the County to track metrics and tree survival rates.

     

  • Watering and Maintenance Commitment
    • Participants must commit to watering and maintaining their tree(s) according to the participation guidelines, including proper watering, pruning, and pest management.
    • Participants must attend a tree care workshop or complete an online training module provided by the County.

     

  • Tree Pick Up
    • Participants must be able to pick up their tree(s) from the predetermined location and transport it to their property. 15-gallon trees can range in size; some can be rather heavy and/or tall and may require cargo space in a vehicle to transport.

     

Application Process

Tree Planting

To apply, use the ‘Apply Now’ feature below to access and submit the application. The County will review applications in the order received, and will evaluate applications based on eligibility, priority locations, and available resources. Approved applicants will be notified via the email(s) listed on the application.

Prospective participants must submit a completed Application and Property Owner Agreement, which include pertinent details about the property, ownership status, designated site contacts, preferred tree species, and contact information. By submitting these documents, applicants agree to adhere to the participation guidelines and fulfill all reporting requirements as outlined in the EDTPP.

Please use the following information to select trees available through EDTPP.

Sunset Zones

Sunset Zones are a climate zone mapping system developed to help gardeners and landscapers identify ideal plant species for their specific region. Sunset Zones consider several key factors that influence plant growth and health, including latitude, elevation, ocean influence, continental air influence, local topography and terrain, presence of nearby bodies of water and regional climate patterns. These factors are used to create a more precise understanding of the unique growing conditions within a specific area.

To provide appropriate species for the varied climates throughout San Diego County, trees available as part of the EDTPP Private Property Tree Planting initiative have been organized into lists by Sunset Zone. To identify which Sunset Zone a specific property falls within and verify eligibility, please enter the property address into the EDTPP sunset zone map, below. Open the 'Tree List Link' that populates to view the tree list and profiles for your sunset zone.

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  • Tree Selection Tips

    When selecting a tree, consider the following factors:

    1. Growth Habit and Mature Size: Assess the available space on your property and choose trees that won't outgrow the area or interfere with utilities, buildings, or other structures. Consider both height and canopy spread.
    2. Soil Type and Drainage: Determine the soil type on your property and select trees that can tolerate those conditions, taking into account soil pH, nutrient availability, and drainage.
    3. Sun Exposure: Observe the sun patterns in your planting area and choose trees that are suited to the amount of sunlight they will receive throughout the day.
    4. Aesthetics and Seasonal Interest: Consider the visual appeal of each tree species throughout the year, including its foliage, flowers, fruits, and fall color.

     

    SelecTree, developed by the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute (UFEI) at California Polytechnic State University, is a comprehensive tree selection guide designed to help users make informed decisions about tree selection, planting, and management in urban landscapes. SelecTree offers a searchable database of trees native to California and beyond, allowing users to search by tree characteristics, such as climate adaptability, growth rate, and environmental benefits.

     

Reporting

Participants must agree to report to the County the tree planting location (address and GPS coordinates), planting date, and submit a photo of the planted tree, within 30 days of tree pickup. Please use the button below to access the inital tree planting report.

Additional Information

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  • Education, Training, & Resources

    To help property owners care for their new trees, the Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program provides educational resources and workshops on tree benefits, planting techniques, irrigation, care, pruning, and tree assessment. Additionally, resources from trusted urban forestry organizations have also been included.

    Tree Pick Up Recommendations and FAQs: Transport your tree safely by following these tips!

    Tree Planting Checklist: Follow this step-by-step checklist to ensure tree(s) are planted correctly.

    Tree care guides and tips | California Urban Forests Council: Additional information on tree planting and maintenance provided by the California Urban Forests Council

     

  • County Disclaimers
    • The County reserves the right to deny applications that do not meet eligibility criteria or are incomplete.
    • The County may prioritize tree giveaways in underserved communities or areas with low tree canopy cover.
    • Tree planting locations and maintenance must be in compliance with the County Consolidated Fire Code and Defensible Space requirements.