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Healthy Trees for Healthy Neighborhoods
Notes from June 19, 2019 Meeting
Twenty-five community members and professionals attended a workshop on June 19, 2019 from 8:30
to 11:00 at the Girl Scouts San Diego Program Center, 1231 Upas Street. The agenda included
introductions, compelling reasons for tree planting, actions contributing to tree health, funding options,
and structure of this “campaign.”
Key messages from meeting.
Plant healthy trees in the next five years, to ensure healthy neighborhoods in the next 25 years.
Trees are affordable and amazing ways to shade neighborhoods, implement Climate Action
Plans, provide wildlife habitat and ecosystem services, and offer many co-benefits. More
healthy trees are needed in street rights-of-way, parks, parking lots, schoolyards, backyards,
and businesses.
Tree planting determines long-term tree health and needs to follow arborist specifications and
oversight. Many trees have historically (and recently) been planted with inadequate root volume,
poor quality planting stock, improper installation and staking, and insufficient watering and early
tree care. Many die within a few years, wasting money and losing decades of tree benefits.
Many local funding sources can be tapped, including “free tree” programs, businesses and
business districts, homeowners’ associations, grants, fund-raising campaigns, and private
donations.
Initial ideas for structuring Healthy Trees campaign.
Incorporate the interests of many local groups to contribute to climate action (many in this
room!), beautify communities, expand urban nature, and more
Explore Collective Impact Model, https://ssir.org/articles/entry/collective_impact (Five conditions
= common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous
communication, backbone support)
Set clear and measurable actions that organizations, cities, and individuals can commit to
Start a public educational campaign, brand, marketing and collective effort – not a new
organization
Tie to Parks Master Plans, community plans, climate action plans, habitat restoration plans in
adjacent to canyons and other open space), and more
Next steps to keep the energy going, over the summer.
Invite and track pledges of planting 10 trees, financing trees, and giving short presentations to
groups in your community or interest (by September 1, Mike will set this up)
Add resources to website, including presentations, lists of arborists, benefits and business
values of trees, healthy tree planting and care
Set up a Facebook page and link to local organizations
plan celebrations of trees in communities throughout SD County, such as for Kate Sessions’
birthday on November 8
Coordinate with Anne (and with Mike in Anne’s absence this summer) on your ideas Resources to
support this effort. (Note: Provide your ideas to Anne/Mike to include and update resources on
the website, including links to other websites)
Methods for root and structure pruning of young trees before planting, if needed
Compare the costs of planting a healthy tree and for improper installations that typically result in
premature tree losses
Healthy Trees for Healthy Neighborhoods, Notes from June 19, 2019 meeting, page 2
Business values of trees, energy savings, reasons for involving and paying arborists for tree
work
Local adaptations of national tree care practices, for Mediterranean climate
Master Gardener experts, including education programs, school garden consultants, and phone
advice
Presentations and flyers to give to organizations and community groups
Lists of arborists, tree professionals (International Society for Arboriculture,
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist, Professional Tree Care Association,
https://ptcaosd.wildapricot.org/), California Native Plant Society (https://www.cnpssd.org/ ) and
others. , and nurseries (including native plant nurseries via cnpssd.org)
Explore and share ways to streamline no-fee street tree permit processes (for planting or
pruning trees), to ensure tree care of planted trees
Continue work on tree code revisions and code enforcement, especially for developments
Expectations of meeting (from introductions)
Networking, learn what others are doing, hear what tree people advocate for, work more
together
Add trees to neighborhood streets, parks, parking lots; get others to plant more trees
Plant trees for climate action mitigation
Plant native trees to enhance native habitats for pollinators, including integration of residential
yard gardens with adjacent canyons.
Work with schools and community organizations to plant trees, add trees to curriculum
Promote code revisions, get cities to enforce codes, consider “Neighborhood Tree Captains”
Address illegal removal and improper pruning (e.g., topping) of trees, not planting trees in new
developments, cutting trees in coastal areas, neighbors cutting trees
Promote resources of Tree San Diego, Professional Tree Care Association, Master Gardeners,
garden clubs, California Native Plant Society, community planning groups, environmental
organizations, and others
Connect with Urban Corps project managers and community members in six cities where trees
will be planted with CalFire grant to Urban Corps, $1.2 million to plant 2,000 trees to ensure
healthy trees and community engagement.
Follow inspiration by Nan Sterman in A Growing Passion—Urban Forestry video,
https://agrowingpassion.com/episode-505-urban-forests-trees-plants-city/
Compelling reasons for making major tree planting investments in the next five years.
Beautification of community, aesthetics (6)
Civic pride, neighborhood engagement (3)
Cleaner air, reducing air pollution (3)
Climate change, carbon sequestration (11)
Cooling neighborhoods, offset urban heat, shade, walkability (8)
Education (2)
Growing food (1), urban wood reutilization (1)
Habitat for wildlife and pollinators (6)
Health benefits (4)
Increasing property values (2)
Love of nature, inspiration, enjoyment (2)
Lower crime rates (2)
Stormwater retention, recharge soil moisture (2)
The cost of inaction is now shown to be more than the cost of doing something.”Healthy Trees for Healthy Neighborhoods, Notes from June 19, 2019 meeting, page 3
Recall a tree that was planted. What was done right? Wrong? What three things could have
been done to enhance the health of that tree?
Roots exposed, planted in hole that was too shallow, correction made by re-digging deeper hole
and replanting, watering schedule implemented
Jacaranda tree died at a school, because it wasn’t maintained; California pepper tree survived
Watering, nursery stock, proper planting, mulch after planting, removed stakes
Proper planting depth, right species, educate Urban Corps
Sidewalk breaking due to root growth, wrong species for location
Planted with circling roots, too deep and not watered enough; could have pruned roots, planted
right and cared for young tree
Planted in area that wasn’t easily accessible (for maintenance) so tree was neglected, didn’t
prune appropriately, herbivory damage; could have provided regular access for watering,
pruning, animal exclosures
Species appropriate but poor quality stock was planted 3” below grade
Wrong tree-wrong place, planted too close to structure, not sufficiently watered during
establishment
Planted pine-oak habitats after fire and mastication; grew slower and had higher mortality than
natural regeneration
Pinus pinea planted next to boulder and garage, grew very large and became a threat, blocked
solar panels; required expensive and difficult pruning
Selecting a Pau d’Arco for our front yard was a good decision. Forty years later, the tree is a
nice height above our home; it faces west; and the branches wave like a fan sending cool
breezes though out the yard and house. The size of the tree, branches and leaves
have changed the character of the yard. There is more shade in the summer, and sun in the
yard in the winter. I should have planted it farther away from the foundation of the house.
Tree planted without landscaper’s involvement or supervision, didn’t follow instructions; should
have had clear agreement with planting crew
How can trees be funded? Think small and big. What three groups can you ask?
Business districts, town councils, Maintenance Assessment Districts (3)
Businesses, retail stores (4)
City budgets (2)
Civic organizations, community foundations (5)
Cost sharing with property owner (pay only for tree, or tree+arborist, or tree+arborist+planting)
Development fees, mitigation project fees or offsets (3)
Fundraising, Go Fund Me, Donor’s Choose (schools) campaigns (4)
Gas tax funds, Carbon tax, Sales tax, Parcel tax (1 each)
Grants from community and corporate foundations, State of California (7)
Parent-teacher associations, or other school groups (2)
Plant trees in memory of loved one, trees instead of benches, adopt-a-tree (3)
Private donations-philanthropy (2)
Property owners, Homeowners’ Associations (3)
Public-private partnerships, including nurseries, arborists, etc. to provide visibility and
advertisement (3)
San Diego Gas & Electric (1)
Handouts (examples of tree education-information materials)
New Tree Planting, 2 p., International Society for Arboriculture,
https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/treecare/New_TreePlanting.pdf, (not yet locally
adapted for Mediterranean climate)Healthy Trees for Healthy Neighborhoods, Notes from June 19, 2019 meeting, page 4
Tree Canopy Assessment draft data, June 19, 2019 (Tree Canopy and Land Cover Types, for
all cities, and for schools)
Growing Great Neighborhoods, 1-page flyer, California Urban Forests, https://caufc.org/wp-
content/uploads/2017/08/GrowingGreatNeighborhoods.pdf
More information at http://sdrufc.com/healthytrees/
Tree benefits, care, and other tree topics at http://sdrufc.com/resources/
Tree canopy assessment information at http://sdrufc.com/treecanopy/
San Diego Tree Advocacy Handbook at http://sdrufc.com/local-regional/
Attendees
First Name Last Name Organization
Puja Batra Batra Ecological Strategies
Monica Bockman Arborist, Master Gardener
Justin Daniels California Native Plant Society
Diana Drummey Master Gardener (Coronado)
Carol Emerick Friends of Florence Canyon
Anne Fege SD Regional Urban Forests
Beryl Forman El Cajon Boulevard Improvement Association
Mike Gonzales Environmental consultant
Mandy Havlik Pacific Beach
Nancy Janssen Master Gardener and Canyonlands
Wes Janssen Master Gardener and Canyonlands
Rick Landavazo Retired
Nallely Lopez Urban Corps
Maleeka Marsden Climate Action Campaign
Derek Meadows Tree Steward
Rachele Melious Tree San Diego
Linda Morse La Mesa Beautiful
Kurt Peacock Tree San Diego
Rosie Perez Chula Vista
Tina Rysedorph Friends of Tecolote Canyon
Rosemary Stark Master Gardener ?
Mary Truman Retired
Sharon Wampler La Jolla
Lauren Welch Urban Corps
Rebecca Wilbanks Girl Scouts San DiegoGROWING GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS
Urban green spaces provide areas where people of different backgrounds can come together.
Community building and an increased sense of civic pride emerge, bringing about benefits
for the community as a whole.
PROMOTE CIVIC PRIDE GOOD FOR BUSINESS &
Urban residents living in greener THE LOCAL ECONOMY
areas build strong feelings of The presence of trees and urban
belonging and attachment to their greenery creates more desirable
neighborhood, and the trees that destinations for people when
comprise their neighborhoods. visiting retail and business areas.
Active participation promotes People are inclined to spend
social interaction of more time and money
residents, helping in retail areas with
to build trust and trees and plants.4
social cohesion.1
PROMOTE
SAFER WITH
EXERCISE
LESS CRIME
In neighborhoods
Residents living with trees and
in areas with trees greenery people
and urban greenery judge distances to
report lower levels of be shorter and
fear, fewer incivilities are therefore much
and less violent behavior. more likely to walk.
The study also found that This incidental exercise
fewer crimes were reported provides both mental and
where buildings have greener physical health benefits. 5
surroundings.2 Urban areas with
greenery were found to have
fewer incidents of vandalism HELP CALM TRAFFIC
or graffiti according to a
The presence of trees along
survey conducted in a
streets reduces the speed of
California community
drivers, making it safer for
by UC Riverside.3
pedestrians and cyclists. It
also reduces the frequency
and severity of crashes.6
Literature Cited:
1. Townsend, M. 2006. Feel blue? Touch green! Participation in forest/woodland management 4. Wolf, K.L. 2010. Community Economics - A Literature Review. In: Green Cities: Good Health
as a treatment to depression. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening 5, 111-120 (http://bit.ly/UWGreenHealth). College of the Environment, University of Washington.
2. Kuo, F.E., & W.C. Sullivan. 2001. “Environment & Crime in the Inner City: Does Vegetation 5. Tilt, J. Unfried, T. & Roca, B. 2006. “Neighborhood Greenness, Walkable Destinations and
Reduce Crime?” Environment & Behavior 33, 3:343-367. Health” presentation accessed on http://bit.ly/ActiveLivingDesign
3. Stamen, T. 1993. Graffiti Deterrent Proposed by Horticulturist [Press Release]. University 6. Naderi, J.R., Kweon, B.S. & Maghelal, P. 2008. The Street Tree Effect and Driver Safety
of California Riverside Journal of the Transport Research Board
California Urban Forests Council is an equal opportunity provider. This publication is
made possible through grants from CalFire & the USDA Forest Service. CAUFC 08/2017. | InvestFromTheGroundUp.org | caufc.orgExamples from Urban Tree Canopy Assessment, www.sdrufc.com/treecanopy
Table 1. Tree Canopy and Land Cover Types, for all cities
Vegetation Buildings
Trees
and soil Paved and roads Acres Acres of
(%)
Cities (%) (%) (%) total trees
Carlsbad 17 47 16 21 11,457 4,026
Chula Vista 11 54 13 22 17,237 3,529
Coronado 7 25 39 28 1,287 374
Del Mar 21 27 26 26 299 234
El Cajon 12 26 29 33 2,451 1,153
Encinitas 21 44 14 21 5,432 2,638
Escondido 18 43 19 20 10,280 4,235
Imperial Beach 6 53 11 30 1,472 167
La Mesa 18 28 21 34 1,595 1,020
Lemon Grove 15 27 25 34 664 368
National City 10 23 35 32 1,097 472
Oceanside 16 48 14 23 12,883 4,185
Poway 13 62 15 10 15,397 3,321
S.D. County 14 69 12 5 281,060 59,265
San Diego 13 47 20 21 98,209 26,417
San Marcos 9 48 22 21 7,472 1,401
Santee 9 54 18 19 5,609 904
Solana Beach 21 36 14 29 786 460
Vista 19 34 20 26 4,084 2,259
14% 57% 15% 13% 478,771 116,428
Table 2. Tree Canopy and Land Cover Types, for all cities
Shrub- Build-
# Trees Soil Road Paved Acres Acres of
grass ings
parcels (%) (%) (%) (%) total trees
School type (%) (%)
Elementary School 306 14% 39% 5% 16% 3% 23% 3,012 414
Junior College 20 16% 36% 7% 10% 5% 26% 881 139
Middle School 60 8% 34% 8% 16% 1% 33% 661 56
Other School 89 13% 44% 3% 18% 2% 20% 236 30
Other University or
College 28 23% 39% 6% 13% 6% 14% 413 93
School District Office 33 11% 31% 2% 22% 1% 33% 103 11
SDSU/CSU San
Marcos/UCSD 201 32% 32% 4% 14% 5% 13% 36,659 11,874
Senior High School 85 9% 43% 9% 14% 1% 24% 2,103 179
Grand Total 822 29% 33% 5% 14% 4% 15% 44,068 12,796New Tree Planting
Information on proper practices for planting a tree with a nine-step approach to successful planting and establishment.
Purchasing a tree is a lifelong investment. How well this investment grows depends on the type of tree selected and the planting location, the care
provided during planting, and the follow-up care after planting.
When to Plant
Ideally, trees are planted during the dormant season — in the fall after leaf drop or in early spring before budbreak. Weather conditions
are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth. Healthy
balled and burlapped or container trees, however, can be planted throughout the growing season if given appropriate care. In tropical
and subtropical climates where trees grow year round, any time is a good time to plant a tree, provided that sufficient water is available.
Planting Stress
Balled and burlapped trees lose a significant portion of their root system when dug at the nursery. As a result, trees commonly exhibit
what is known as “transplant shock.” Transplant shock is a state of slowed growth and reduced vitality following transplanting. Contain-
er trees may also experience transplant shock, particularly if they have circling or kinked roots that must be cut. Proper site preparation,
careful handling to prevent further root damage, and good follow-up care reduces transplant shock and promotes faster recovery.
Carefully follow the nine simple steps below to help your tree establish quickly in its new location. Note: Before you begin planting
your tree, be sure you have located all underground utilities prior to digging.
1. Identify the trunk flare. The trunk flare is where
the trunk expands at the base of the tree. This
point should be partially visible after the tree has
been planted (see diagram). Remove excess soil
from the top of the root ball prior to planting if
the root flare is not visible.
2. Dig a shallow, broad planting hole. Holes
should be 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball,
but only as deep as the root ball. Digging a
Use two opposing, flexible broad planting pit breaks up the surrounding
ties when staking is necessary. soil and provides newly emerging tree roots
Ties should be placed on the room to expand.
lower half of the tree and
allow trunk movement. 3. Remove the containers or cut away the wire
basket. Inspect container tree root balls for
circling roots. Straighten, cut, or remove them.
Expose the trunk flare, if necessary.
Keep mulch
1 to 2 inches 4. Place the tree at the proper height. Take care to
2- to 4-inch (2.5 to 5 cm) Gently pack backfill, dig the hole to the proper depth — and no more.
(5- to 10-cm) back from using water to settle soil
The majority of a tree’s roots develop in the top
layer of mulch trunk around the root ball.
Trunk Flare 12 inches (30 cm) of soil. If the tree is planted
too deep, new roots will have difficulty develop-
ing because of a lack of oxygen. In poorly drained
or heavily clayed soils, trees can be planted with
the base of the trunk flare 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5
Remove containers, cm) above grade. When placing the tree in the
wrappings, wires and ties. Set ball on firmly packed hole, lift it by the root ball, not the trunk.
soil to prevent settling.5. Straighten the tree in the hole. Before backfilling, have some- damage and vandalism. One or two stakes used in conjunction
one view the tree from several directions to confirm it is straight. with a wide, flexible tie material on the lower half of the tree
Once planted, it is difficult to reposition the tree. will hold the tree upright and minimize injury to the trunk (see
diagram), yet still allow movement. Remove support staking and
6. Fill the hole gently, but firmly. Pack soil around the base of the ties after the first year of growth.
root ball to stabilize it. If the root ball is wrapped, carefully cut
and remove any fabric, plastic, 8. Mulch the base of the tree. Mulch is organic matter spread
string, and/or wire from around around the base of a tree to hold moisture, moderate soil tem-
the trunk and root ball to prevent perature extremes, and reduce grass and weed competition. Com-
girdling and to facilitate root mon mulches include leaf litter, pine straw, shredded bark, peat
growth (see diagram). Fill the moss, or composted wood chips. A 2- to 4-inch (5- to 10-cm)
remainder of the hole, firmly layer is ideal. More than 4 inches (10 cm) may cause a problem
packing the soil to eliminate air with oxygen and moisture levels. Piling mulch right up against
pockets that may dry out roots. the trunk of a tree may cause decay of the living bark. A mulch-
Further reduce air pockets by wa- free area, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide at the base of the tree,
tering periodically while backfill- reduces moist bark conditions and prevents decay.
ing. Avoid fertilization at the time
of planting. 9. Provide follow-up care. Keep the soil moist, but not water-
logged. Water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more
7. Stake the tree, if necessary. Studies have shown that trees estab- frequently during hot, windy weather. When the soil is dry below
lish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems the surface of the mulch, it is time to water. Continue until
if they are not staked at the time of planting. Staking may be mid-fall, tapering off as lower temperatures require less-frequent
required, however, when planting bare root stock or planting on watering.
windy sites. Stakes may also offer protection against lawn mower
Other follow-up care may include minor pruning of branches damaged during the planting process. Prune sparingly after planting and
delay necessary corrective pruning until a full season of growth in the new location has occurred.
Completing these nine simple steps will maximize the likelihood that your new tree will grow and thrive in its new home. When questions
arise regarding your tree, be sure to consult your local ISA Certified Arborist or a tree care or garden center professional for assistance.
This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program.
You may have additional interest in the following titles currently in the series:
Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts Mature Tree Care Pruning Mature Trees Trees and Turf
Avoiding Tree Damage During New Tree Planting Pruning Young Trees Tree Values
Construction Plant Health Care Recognizing Tree Risk Why Hire an Arborist
Benefits of Trees Proper Mulching Techniques Treatment of Trees Damaged Why Topping Hurts Trees
Buying High-Quality Trees Palms by Construction
Insect and Disease Problems Tree Selection and Placement
E-mail inquiries: isa@isa-arbor.com
©2011 (1998, 2004) International Society of Arboriculture.
Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research
around the world and dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information,
contact: ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA.
E-mail inquiries: isa@isa-arbor.com www.isa-arbor.com • www.treesaregood.orgYou can also read
