Trees are more than just shade providers and hammock-holders - they're the real workhorse of the environment. Trees help clean the air we breathe and give back life-sustaining oxygen - enough oxygen for 2 people each year! They cool our houses in the summer, reduce the demand for air conditioners and save money and energy. If that wasn't enough, these natural filters also help clean water before it heads into storm drains. And, trees are fun to climb!

Recognizing the many benefits to our environment and our pocketbooks created by our friendly green neighbors, the City of Elk Grove is partnering with theSacramento Tree Foundationto double the number of trees in the region over the next 40 years.

Additionally, the City has adopted regulations for the preservation and protection of the existing tree stock in the city. These regulations were first adopted by Sacramento County (prior to incorporation of the City) in 1981. In 2011, the City adopted a comprehensive update to these regulations.

Ordinance

The City of Elk Grove has adopted regulations for the preservation and protection of the existing tree stock in the city.; These regulations were first adopted by Sacramento County (prior to incorporation of the City) in 1981. In 2011, the City adopted a comprehensive update to these regulations.

• Read theadopted regulations.

The City's adopted regulations apply to four types of trees as follows:

• Landmark trees, which are trees specifically identifies for protection by the City Council;
• Trees of local importance, which are trees of specific varieties greater than six inches in diameter;
• Secured trees, which are trees that were protected as part of the development process for residential subdivisions and commercial developments; and
• Trees on City property or in the public right-of-way.

Work on or removal of any of these four types of trees requires prior approval in the form of aTree Permitfrom the City. Property owners and residents should contact the Planning Department to determine if their tree requires a Tree Permit prior to completing work.

Greenprint Program

The Sacramento Tree Foundation is working with the City of Elk Grove and other elected officials in the greater Sacramento area to double the region's tree canopy over the next 40 years! The goal is to maximize the benefits of our urban forest. Air quality, water quality, energy, real estate and businesses all benefit from trees. We can maximize those benefits by improving the urban forests in each municipality within the region.

The Greenprint is a call to action and a plan of work for each of the 28 local governments in our six-county region to adopt tree canopy optimization goals, policies and ordinances, best management practices, and community involvement strategies. The City of Elk Grove was the first local government to join the regional Greenprint.

For more information on the regional Greenprint,click here

Tree Survey

Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our tree survey volunteers and the leadership of the Sacramento Tree Foundation, the City of Elk Grove'sUrban Forest Canopy Assessmentwas completed ahead of schedule! The results are very promising. Elk Grove has 22.88% canopy cover over the community 's streets and sidewalks.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation has taken the data collected and plugged it into STRATUM - a computer program developed by the US Forest Service designed to estimate total tree canopy in the City. This information will be presented to the Elk Grove City Council and used as a basis to make further planning decisions regarding tree preservation, maintenance, & proliferation.

View a copy ofThe Urban Forest Canopy Assessment

Reference Links

• City of Elk Grove Tree Permit Application
• Sacramento Tree Foundation
• Free Shade Trees From SMUD
• Tree Advice from the International Society of Arboriculture

Contact Information