This is the second article in a series dedicated to sharing our best tips for growing resilient trees that can not only weather intense storms, extreme heat, and drought, but also protect our region from these threats. For over 40 years, the Sacramento Tree Foundation has worked to grow thriving communities through stewardship of our urban forest. In our climate, we depend on trees to make our neighborhoods livable and lovable — but our urban forest also depends on us to help it meet the demands of a changing climate. Here’s our approach, and some tips for residents to grow strong trees today to meet the challenges of tomorrow.   

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.  

In contrast, consequences from planting the wrong tree in the wrong place can make some people nervous to plant trees. Costly damage to foundations and patios, power outages or fires from limbs falling on power lines, or messy fruit staining a sidewalk are all issues that can be avoided with thoughtful tree siting. When trees are sited according to their unique traits and with consideration to their mature size, many of these issues would never occur. 

Want our foresters to help you pick trees that will grow well on your property? Sign up for a free siting consultation to get up to 10 free trees for your home or business. 

Working with site conditions 

Even in challenging growing situations, there is likely a tree that will grow well in each spot as long as it gets a small of amount of water each week for the first few years. When we recommend trees for your property, we consider: 

• How much growing space is available above and below ground? What size and shape of tree will fit in this space once it matures? Sometimes a wide spreading canopy is desirable to provide as much shade as possible, but in other locations, a tall columnar shape might be more ideal. It’s also critical to ensure there is enough soil to support the roots. 
• What is the soil type — sandy, loamy, clay, or a combination? Is it particularly acidic or alkaline? Soil type affects water drainage and fertility.  
• What is the sun exposure – full sun or part sun/shade? Most trees need at least 8 hours of full sun, but some like Japanese maples prefer some afternoon shade in our hot climate. 
• What are the surrounding water conditions? Is it planted in a lawn or other frequently watered landscape, or is it part of a drought tolerant landscape? Does the site get flooded occasionally or have poor drainage? Match the tree’s water needs and flood tolerance to the site conditions. 
• Are there any other unique site challenges, such as exposure to air or water pollution, previous disease or pest issues, deer or other animals that might damage plants, soil compaction, or heat-retaining surroundings like rock or asphalt?  

Avoiding potential problems 

Consider the height and spread of the tree once it reaches its mature size. Plant small, medium, and large trees the appropriate distance from any utilities, structures, hardscape, and landscape features to prevent issues that could happen if the tree outgrows the available space. Although there are exceptions for planter strips between the street and sidewalk, these spacing guidelines apply to most situations based on mature tree size:  

Distance from:	Small trees <25 feet tall	Medium trees 26-45 feet tall	Large trees >46 feet tall
Power lines and overhead utilities	3 feet	20 feet	30 feet
Building foundations	6 feet	10-15 feet	15-18 feet
Roads and hardscape	5-6 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Swimming pools	6 feet	12-15 feet	25 feet
Septic systems	25 feet	25 feet	30 feet
Underground utilities	3 feet	6 feet	6 feet
Other trees	12 feet	15-18 feet	25-30 feet
Fences	3 feet	6 feet	6 feet

Find siting details for each species on our list of recommended trees for the Sacramento region. 

Trees and power lines

After recent storms caused widespread tree-related power outages throughout the region, we have received many inquiries about the safety of trees near power lines. While there are plenty of small trees that are suitable for these locations, tall trees, especially palms or conifers such as redwoods, should not be planted near high voltage power lines. Electric utilities are required to keep these lines clear of any vegetation because tree limbs coming into contact with power lines can cause fires, electrocution, or power outages. Existing trees under power lines must be inspected and possibly pruned by specially trained utility contractors on a regular basis. To learn more about how SMUD helps steward our urban forest while also keeping our community safe, check out their award-winning vegetation management program. 

Optimizing benefits  

Now for the fun part! Above all, we plant trees because they make our communities livable and lovable. Depending on what you desire for your property, we can help you pick trees that you will love: 

• Deciduous trees provide energy savings by shading your home in the summer but letting the sun shine through in the winter, and they offer beautiful fall color 
• Evergreen trees provide year-round privacy screens and windbreaks 
• Tall conifers planted near roadways help filter air pollution and buffer noise 
• Street trees slow traffic, reduce air pollution, and shade roads and sidewalks, creating an inviting space for walks and bike rides and helping to cool the entire neighborhood 
• Native trees provide habitat for wildlife and support our local ecosystem 
• Blooming trees add beauty and support pollinators 
• Fruit and nut trees provide food, and some species like ginkgos are renowned for their medicinal properties 

All trees, whether large or small, provide many benefits that contribute to beautiful, healthy, and enjoyable neighborhoods.  

We can help you pick the right tree for your place 

Take the guesswork out of tree siting and let our foresters help you pick trees you love. Thanks to our partnership with SMUD, you can receive a free siting consultation and up to 10 free trees if your property is eligible. So far, Sacramentans have planted over 650,000 trees through this partnership. Together, we are growing a livable and lovable region that is resilient in the face of 21st century challenges.   

Check back for Part 3 of this series to learn more about root health.