ABOUT TREE SAN DIEGO
Tree San Diego is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to increasing the quality and density of San Diego’s urban forest. We collaborate with local and state government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations and businesses to plant the right trees in the right places with the right care. We are committed to San Diego County’s urban forest for the benefit of people, the environment, and the future.
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%.
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
URBAN FOREST BENEFITS
WATER
CONTROL
Mature trees intercept rainfall, reducing runoff and providing cleaner water. Thanks to this benefit, heavy metals and other pollutants from roads, parking lots, and roofs are not carried into our water supply.
WILDLIFE HABITATS
Trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals. They interact with other living things in sharing and recycling resources.
CARBON REMOVAL
Trees use carbon dioxide when they grow, removing it from the air.
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Residents who live near urban trees have better relations and stronger ties to their neighbors. In addition, tree planting programs teach local stakeholders about their local environment!
HEALTH
BENEFITS
A treed environment can reduce blood pressure, increase patient recovery time, and reduce stress.
SOIL CONSERVATION
Tree roots hold soil in place reducing erosion and runoff. Nearly 11,000 tons of soil are saved annually with tree cover in a medium-sized city.
ENERGY
CONSERVATION
A tree shading a home air conditioner has been estimated to improve its efficiency by 10%. Evaporation from tree leaves cools the air resulting in further reduction of summer air conditioning costs.
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
Recreation areas with lush urban forests such as parks, greenways, and river corridors attract newcomers and provide areas of play.
REAL
ESTATE
The value of houses on lots with trees is often higher than those of comparable houses on lots without trees. Each large front yard tree adds 1% to the sale price. These homes rent more quickly, have higher occupancy rates, and provide privacy for residents.
AIR
QUALITY
One acre of trees generates enough oxygen each day for 18 people to breathe. Trees absorb gaseous pollutants and filter particulates on and through their leaves, stems, and twigs. Trees also lower local air temperatures by transpiring water, shading surfaces and reducing cooling costs.
NOISE REDUCTION
Trees provide “white noise," the noise of the leaves and branches in the wind and associated natural sounds, that mask other man-caused sounds.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
Patrons linger longer and make more frequent trips to venues along tree-shaded avenues. Businesses leasing office space in wooded developments find their workers are more productive!