The Sacramento City Council has approved a 20-year Urban Forest Plan aimed at increasing the city’s tree canopy from 19% to 35% by 2045. Adopted last Tuesday, the plan is part of Sacramento’s 2040 General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, aligning with the city’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality. It focuses on addressing the urban heat island effect, especially in underserved areas, and requires both public and private involvement in tree planting and care. “Trees are not a luxury—they are critical infrastructure,” said Rachel Patten, Sustainability Program Manager for the Department of Public Works, according to the City of Sacramento.
The City of Sacramento is working to expand tree coverage in areas with low canopy levels, particularly in less affluent neighborhoods and communities of color. These neighborhoods are identified as "priority intervention areas" due to high heat vulnerability. Since January 2024, the City of Sacramento has planted about 2,500 trees. The Sacramento Tree Foundation has added over 3,100 trees on private properties, with nearly 3,000 planted at homes.
Sacramento’s new urban forestry plan includes a goal of planting 25,000 trees each year across the city. It also calls for stronger tree protection rules and requires trees in new developments, including residential areas and parking lots. “This is about more than trees,” said Patten. “It’s about environmental justice and making Sacramento healthier, safer, and more resilient for future generations.” A working group will be formed to track the plan’s progress and make updates as needed. The city will release annual progress reports, and the plan will be reviewed every five years, as stated by the City of Sacramento.
