ABOUT TREE SAN DIEGO
OUR MISSION
Tree San Diego is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality, density, and sustainability of the region’s urban forests for the benefit of all communities and the environment.
OUR VISION
Every person has equitable access to the values and benefits of a thriving urban forest.
OUR VALUES
Tree San Diego follows the below guiding principles and values to help lead our team toward strategic and impactful success.
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Service
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Education
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Innovation
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Inclusion
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Collaboration
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Transparency
SAN DIEGO'S URBAN FOREST
An urban forest consists of the trees in a city's parks, private properties, nature preserves, wetlands, streets, and open spaces. Urban forests are measured by their canopy, which is the area covered by a tree's branches and leaves when viewed from above. Urban canopy is measured through aerial surveys and expressed as a percentage. In 2014, the city of San Diego found the urban canopy coverage within the city limits was 13%.
CURRENT STATE
San Diego’s tree canopy is 60-70% below what is considered healthy for humans and the environment, and it continues to decrease in size. Drought, tree disease, and neglect all are significant contributors to a tree canopy’s decline. California metropolitan areas have long histories of tackling these issues with help from urban forestry organizations, and Tree San Diego is at the forefront of the battle to preserve, protect, and enhance the region’s urban forests!
THE RIGHT TREES | THE RIGHT PLACES
| THE RIGHT CARE
San Diego has a semi-arid, Mediterranean-like climate that is influenced by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the desert to the east. San Diego's climate is region-specific and is made up of numerous microclimates that are influenced by the topography; coastline, canyons, mountains, and deserts. Microclimates influence humidity, temperature, and rainfall totals, meaning trees that thrive in one region may not thrive in another. When Tree San Diego talks about planting the "right trees in the right places with the right care," it means that we select tree species based on where they are being planted. After a tree has been planted, Tree San Diego, partners, or community members will water, mulch, and monitor the health of the tree. Planting the right trees in the right places with the right care increases their chances of survival and maximizes their benefits to San Diego.
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
TREE SAN DIEGO CUTSHEET & STRATEGIC PLAN
BENEFITS OF A THRIVING URBAN FOREST
One of the best investments we can make in San Diego’s future is through tree preservation, enhancement, and expansion. Trees provide us with vital resources and services by providing clean air, increased property values, and beautiful neighborhoods. Learn more about the benefits of a thriving urban forest.