Why we love the City of Trees

by Taylor Rigdon

January 30, 2024

From cleaning the air we breathe to beautifying our community, our urban forest is what makes Sacramento livable and lovable. Here’s what we love about our leafy friends that make up the City of Trees: 

Create strong and beautiful communities
A SacTree volunteer helps a young child plant a tree. Overlaid at the the top of the image, handwritten text reading, “I have always loved to brag that I’m a native of the City of Trees, Sacto., CA. May we always treasure each one we plant AND love all of them in every corner of this great state!”
“I have always loved to brag that I’m a native of the City of Trees, Sacto., CA. May we always treasure each one we plant AND love all of them in every corner of this great state!” – Margot P. 

Our beloved tree canopy also serves as a backdrop for various community events and gatherings around the city. Whether it’s a weekend picnic in a shaded park or a leisurely stroll along tree-lined boulevards, the green canopy provides a picturesque setting for Sacramentans to connect, relax, and unwind. 

Provide shade and cleans the air we breathe
Friends playing frisbee under the shade of large trees in a park. Overlaid at the top of the image is handwritten text that reads, “I have been lucky to be born and raised in Sacramento where we have an abundance of trees and public parks. Get out and enjoy the trees! Take care of your tree and it will take care of you.”
“I have been lucky to be born and raised in Sacramento where we have an abundance of trees and public parks. Get out and enjoy the trees! Take care of your tree and it will take care of you.” – Michelle E. 

Trees not only contribute to beautifying Sacramento, but they also play a crucial role in creating a healthier environment. They provide us with shade on warm days, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and create a cleaner and fresher atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.  

Give homes for our furry and feathered friends
Squirrel eating a nut at the base of a tree. Overlaid at the top of the image is handwritten text that reads, “Trees provide a home for birds, squirrels, and lots of other little critters. Thank you for planting trees.”
“Trees provide a home for birds, squirrels, and lots of other little critters. Thank you for planting trees.” – Boris and Bissone

Trees provide shade for us and homes for local wildlife. Within the lush canopies and sturdy branches, a diverse community of birds, squirrels, and insects find food and refuge.  

How can you show your love to the City of Trees?

Make a gift – Show your love by making a gift to SacTree today! Your support helps steward the urban forest throughout its entire life cycle, from harvesting acorns, to planting and caring for saplings, and diverting logs from the landfill to have a new life as urban lumber – enriching our community with the benefits of trees at every stage. To make a gift or become a monthly donor, visit sactree.org/donate. 

Volunteer with us – We have volunteer opportunities for you to get involved and help grow livable and lovable neighborhoods. From tree plantings and stewardship events to community science, there are year-round opportunities to get involved. Check out our events calendar to find a tree planting or stewardship event near you.   

Plant free shade trees in your yard – Thanks to our partnership with SMUD, customers can get a free landscape assessment and up to 10 free shade trees delivered to your home or business. Our staff will work with you to determine the right trees for your space and deliver them to your property with stakes, ties, and helpful information on how to plant and care for the trees. Visit sactree.org/freetrees to apply. Want free trees for a larger community space like a park, school, neighborhood, or place of worship? Apply for a community planting instead!