City Of Albany: New City Trees Free To Adopt

Press release from the City of Albany:

10/29/2021 11:30 AM

Now is the Time to Apply for Street Tree Planting

Individual property owners can apply to have a street tree planted by the City in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property. Additionally, as per action recently taken by the City Council, revenues from the recently approved Measure DD will now waive the costs for adopting a new street tree in the public right-of-way in front of your home (See Resolution No. 2021-102). 

What are the benefits of planting more trees in our urban forest?  

Albany strives to be a green City in many ways, including actively taking care of our urban forest. In summer, trees promote energy savings through shading, and in fall and winter the urban canopy helps deflect wind and water run-off, limiting flooding. Trees reduce noise pollution, create privacy, furnish homes for birds, supply fresh air, and offset the impacts of air pollution. Trees also make our neighborhoods more beautiful, and increase property values! And to get scientific, carbon sequestering in trees helps to lower the effects of global warming by lowering ambient air temperatures and reducing evaporation, resulting in a cooler, greener environment.  

 
Tree Care

We ask only that you agree to take care of the tree you are adopting. This includes: 

• Watering the new and vulnerable tree. Older trees still need watering, but less often. See here for drought-friendly watering techniques – maintaining a strong urban forest actually helps mitigate the effects of drought. 
• Weeding the tree basin and keeping it mulched. Mulching helps reduce water loss due to evaporation and adds nutrients to the soil as organic materials break down naturally.  
• No need to worry - the City Arborist monitors and maintains Albany’s Urban Forest, including pruning as needed for tree health and safety.  

Review our Tree Care Guidelines for more information.

 
Sign me up! How do I apply? 

1. Review the Approved Street Tree List to pick out a tree. Be sure to consult the City's Urban Forester regarding best species and location.
2. Complete the Street Tree Planting Application and bring or mail the form to the Finance Department, at City Hall 1000 San Pablo Avenue. Alternatively, the form can be submitted via email; please contact the City Arborist/Urban Forester for more information.  

The City will have your tree included in an upcoming scheduled planting project. 

 
Additional Resources

Review our Urban Forestry webpage, which is full of helpful information regarding the City’s tree-related resources and care guidelines. For questions, please email the City's Urban Forester at jhawkridge@albanyca.org or call Albany Public Works at 1(510) 524-9543.

This press release was produced by the City of Albany. The views expressed here are the author’s own.