Tree tips Archives - Sacramento Tree Foundation

Summer tree tips: keeping your trees healthy in the heat

As temperatures rise, you may be wondering how to keep your trees healthy and happy in the summer heat. Here are a few simple tips on ensuring your tree grows and thrives.

Spring tree tips: caring for our leafy friends this season

Hands spread mulch around the base of a young tree

As spring knocks on our doors, it’s not just the flowers in bloom that deserve our attention–our trees need some springtime love, too! You may be wondering when you should start watering your tree or what to do if yours hasn’t sprouted leaves yet, but we’ve got the answers for you. A little bit of love and care now can help your tree grow healthier and faster in the future. Here are a few simple tips to ensure your tree grows and thrives.

Preparing your trees for winter storms: keeping your trees and homes safe this winter

Broken tree branches cover a residential street in Sacramento as a result of heavy winter storms.

As winter approaches, the memory of last year’s heavy rainstorms that wreaked havoc on the region still lingers. However, amidst the uncertainty and challenges brought by the wintery weather, there are actions you can take now to prepare your trees for storm season. With the right preparation, you can protect your trees and homes to give them the best chance of standing strong in the face of another round of winter storms.

Are your tree’s leaves gooey, sticky, and messy?

Aphids might be the culprit. Here are some tips to control them naturally.

Heat stress, it’s not just for people: protect your trees!

Most of us know how to care for ourselves when the intense heat rolls in: find a shady spot to hang our hammock for a nap, lather on the sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. But do you know how to protect the trees in your yard from summer heat stress?

Growing a resilient urban forest, Part 3: Healthy roots

Much of a tree’s health is determined by what happens underground. Healthy, well-developed roots are the anchors that allow trees to stand upright in the face of strong winds. They also help the tree absorb water and minerals, and they store nutrients that allow the tree to grow and defend against stresses.

Growing a resilient urban forest, Part 2: Right tree, right place

After determining which tree species are suitable for the Sacramento region, the next step to take in growing a resilient urban forest is choosing trees that are well-suited to each individual planting site. This concept is called the right tree in the right place, and it helps avoid potential problems, ensure tree health, and maximize a tree’s benefits.

Growing a resilient urban forest, Part 1: Species selection

A box truck full of shade trees out for delivery

The first step in growing a resilient urban forest is choosing tree species that will thrive in our climate and urban environment with low risk of environmental or safety issues. With over 60,000 tree species worldwide, it can be overwhelming to know which ones will be best for your yard. Fortunately, the Tree Foundation and our regional partners in urban forestry have closely studied trees over many decades and narrowed down the list to a manageable palette of recommended species.

Storm resources

image of a large tree that has fallen over onto a house due to the storm. Exposed roots at the base of the tree has torn up the concrete sidewalk.

As we navigate through these severe winter storms, it is important to know the warning signs to look out for in falling trees and who to call during tree-related emergencies.

Emerald ash borer is on the West Coast

A palm holding about a dozen adult emerald ash borers, which are metallic green insects about 1/2 inch long

A tiny insect called the emerald ash borer threatens the West’s riparian and urban forests. Here’s what you can do.