City of Rancho Cordova
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Urban Forest Program
About the Program
The city’s Urban Forest program offers the following:
- Free trees for residents, businesses and organizations
- Free stump removal for residents
- Community tree-planting events
- Tree advice from the City Arborist at lmurphy@cityofranchocordova.org or 916.851.8869
The city partners with the Sacramento Tree Foundation and SMUD to plant free trees, and this effort is funded by a grant through the city’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. In addition, the city earned a CalFire Grant to help achieve the goal of planting 750 trees by 2022.
The city was recognized for its efforts with the Sacramento Tree Foundation's 2017 Tree Hero Growing Greenprint Award, as well as with a Tree City USA Designation.
Urban Forest Master Plan
In 2019, the city was awarded an Urban and Community Forestry Proposition 68 grant from CalFire. The grant funds are intended to mitigate climate change through the implementation of tree planting projects, with a focus on planting in under-served and under-canopied neighborhoods. With this grant, the City of Rancho Cordova developed an Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). The primary objective of the UFMP is to provide a third-party analysis of the City’s Urban Forest Program, including an evaluation of the current condition of the urban forest and identification of opportunities for improvement. The document includes a Strategic Plan with specific recommendations for implementation in the coming years for the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the urban forest in Rancho Cordova.
The City of Rancho Cordova's UFMP was presented at the Regular City Council Meeting on March 21, 2022. Click here to view the Plan.
How to Sign Up for Free Trees or Stump Removal Services
Rancho Cordova residents, businesses and organizations are eligible for free trees, stump removal (stumps must be old and in your front yard only) and tree replacement. Choose a service below to learn more and to get started.
Benefits of Trees
Trees are an important part of our city’s infrastructure that provide an array of benefits to our community that cannot be replicated. Some of the key benefits of urban trees include:
- Improved air quality and removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- Increased shade for energy conservation, as well as better shading for sidewalks, trails and bikeways
- Reduction in stormwater runoff and surface flooding
- Improved habitat for desirable wildlife
- Reduced health risks to residents due to enhanced environmental conditions
- Increased economic value to properties and increased economic activity
- Increased stability and desirability of neighborhoods, as well as beautification
Give Back by Volunteering
Do you want to give back to the community? You can volunteer to help plant free trees, mulch trees, or identify homeowners, landlords and renters who want free trees.
If you are interested in volunteering in the city, contact the Urban Forest team at FreeTrees@cityofranchocordova.org.
Tree Removal Permit and Master Tree List
You must obtain a permit from the Department of Public Works if you wish to remove or prune more than 10% of any protected tree in the City of Rancho Cordova. Examples of protected trees include street trees, native oaks and prominent or stately trees.
Submit a Request for a Tree Removal Permit permit online.
Resources
Visit our Master Tree List for a guide to choosing tree species that are well adapted to our region. Choosing suitable trees for our climate will enhance our urban forest and ensure the trees in our community will be successful in growing to their mature size.
For additional information or questions, please contact Public Works at 916.851.8849 or encroachmentpermits@cityofranchocordova.org.