Planting climate-ready trees in Sacramento: part 1 of 2

June 28, 2024

Sacramento is on the frontline of climate change with hotter summers, longer droughts, and unpredictable weather patterns. These changes threaten our local trees, which provide vital shade, clean air, and wildlife habitats. Planting climate-ready trees that can adapt to these new challenges is essential for maintaining our urban forest. 

A history of trees in Sacramento

In the past, trees planted in the city were chosen largely for their looks. Factors such as poor suitability to a space’s soil type or water needs were often not considered. As we move forward, it’s essential to learn from the past and make informed decisions about the trees we plant. It is not only important to select trees that will beautify our landscape but are also resilient and well-suited to Sacramento’s changing climate. 

What are climate-ready trees?
A split image. The top half showing harsh summer sun beating down on a tree's branches. The bottom half shows tree debris caused by an intense winter storm.
It’s important to find species that can tolerate both the region’s hot, dry summers and wet, stormy winters.

Climate-ready trees are species that can adapt and thrive in harsh environmental conditions. Traits to consider include the ability to tolerate inclement weather conditions such as drought-resistance and heat-tolerance as well as the ability to withstand powerful winds and periods of heavy rainfall. When choosing a climate-ready species in Sacramento, it’s important to find trees that can tolerate both extremes—hot, dry summers and wet, stormy winters. By choosing these resilient species, we can ensure that our urban landscapes remain healthy and green. 

Benefits of planting climate-ready trees
A Tree Foundation staff member carries two young trees to be loaded into a box truck for delivery.
Our team works hard to find the right tree for your yard that’s suited to Sacramento’s changing climate.

Planting climate-ready trees ensures long-term sustainability by maintaining greenspaces and supporting biodiversity. These trees enhance the resilience of local ecosystems, provide critical wildlife habitats, and help mitigate the effects of climate change. 

While our changing climate presents challenges for Sacramento, planting climate-ready trees can help us protect and enhance our urban environment. These resilient trees can not only withstand harsh conditions but also make our neighborhoods greener and more enjoyable. Check back for Part 2 of this series to learn more about selecting the right climate-ready tree for you.