Street tree planting and maintenance
San Rafael is a Tree City USA community. We plant and maintain trees along streets and in parks.
Approved street tree species
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How to care for a new tree
Take care of your tree so it grows larger, lives longer, and looks better.
- Water it during dry spells
- Mulch in the spring
- Fertilize your tree when it lacks nutrients
Water
New trees need extra care as they adjust to their new home. The most important thing you can do is water them properly so their roots get enough moisture and oxygen.
Here’s a simple watering guide:
- First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day
- After 2 weeks: Water once a week for the first two years, as long as the tree has leaves
- Winter: Do not water while the tree is dormant
- Adjust for weather:
- Skip watering if there’s been plenty of rain
- If it’s over 80°F, water twice a week
- If it’s 90°F or hotter, water three times a week
Regular, deep watering helps your new tree grow strong roots and stay healthy.
Mulch
Mulch helps new trees stay healthy by keeping the soil moist, controlling temperature, and reducing weeds. But it’s important not to overdo it.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark
- Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the tree’s drip zone (the area under the outer edge of the branches)
- Keep mulch 1 to 2 inches away from the tree trunk to let air reach the roots
Avoid “volcano mulching”—piling mulch up against the trunk. It traps moisture, attracts pests and fungi, and can harm your tree.
Proper mulching helps your young tree grow strong and stay protected.
Fertilize
Most yard soil doesn’t have enough nutrients, so new trees need a boost to grow well.
Here’s how to fertilize correctly:
- At planting time: Use a general fertilizer to help your tree get started
- Ongoing care: In most northern climates, fertilize from fall to mid-spring
- Placement matters: Apply fertilizer under the tree’s roots, not on top of grass or ground cover
Proper fertilizing helps your new tree grow strong roots and stay healthy.
Benefits of trees
Trees provide many economic, environmental, social, and health benefits that make cities healthier and more enjoyable places to live.
Economic
- Lower energy costs: One large tree can cool the air as much as ten air conditioners running for 20 hours a day.
- Higher property values: Homes with trees are worth 6–12% more.
- Better business: Shoppers stay longer and spend more in areas with trees.
- Longer-lasting roads: Streets shaded by trees need less repair and last 40–60% longer.
Environmental
- Less stormwater runoff: Trees absorb and slow down rain, which reduces flooding and pollution.
- Cleaner air: Trees produce oxygen, filter pollution, and control soil erosion.
- Cooling effect: Tree shade can lower surface temperatures by more than 30°F.
- Carbon storage: Trees capture and store carbon dioxide, helping fight climate change.
- Wildlife habitat: Trees provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and other animals.
Social
- Safer communities: Greener neighborhoods have lower crime rates.
- Cooler streets: Tree-covered areas can be 5–15°F cooler, encouraging people to walk and spend time outdoors.
- Calmer traffic: Tree-lined streets slow down drivers and reduce road rage.
- Noise and wind protection: Trees block sound, reduce wind, and provide privacy.
Health
- Reduced stress: Being around trees lowers blood pressure and improves mood.
- Better focus: Time in nature helps children and adults concentrate better.
- Faster healing: Hospital patients with a view of trees recover faster and need less pain medication.