Welcome to the Adopt a Tree Program

Serving South Central Fresno, made possible by AB617

  • Residential Property Renter / Lessee Tree Request Form - AB617

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Why Fresno needs trees

The Fresno Metropolitan area has one of the worst air qualities in the United States, ranking among the top five most polluted regions. The city’s landscape and traffic contribute significantly to air pollution, posing a major challenge for locals.

The Adopt a Tree initiative emerged from public input collected in various community meetings, aiming to boost the tree coverage in local neighborhoods. This program, supported by the Central California Environmental Network (CCEJN) and Tree Fresno, is funded by the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District AB 617 Program. With 35 years of experience, Tree Fresno, a nonprofit, will lead the Community Tree Planting project. They will collaborate with CCEJN and partners to identify suitable sites and commence tree planting.

The Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN), established in 1999, initially focused on Kern, Tulare, and Kings Counties. Recognizing similar challenges throughout the entire San Joaquin Valley, the network expanded. CCEJN will take charge of community outreach and engagement with various groups and residents.

The Community Tree Planting Project aims to enhance tree coverage in public areas within the AB 617 zone, characterized by some of the highest air pollution levels in Fresno.

Program Benefits

The Adopt a Tree program will offer 5-gallon trees to residents. They may also request 15-gallon trees to plant on the park strip, the city of Fresno property. Assistance provided includes:

  • Identifying the best location to plant their tree, including calling 811 and the city of Fresno
  • Adoption Kit:
    • Tree and stake
    • Fertilizer packages
    • Tree irrigation system (“honeycomb”)
    • Compost bag
    • Illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to plant a tree correctly
    • Irrigation log book and tree maintenance plan
    • Tree Adoption Certificate

What this means to our community

Trees offer many physical benefits; they lower temperatures and clean the air. They make communities more vibrant and create connections between neighbors. Trees are a cornerstone of environmental justice and can offset some of the negative impacts of decades of discriminatory planning practices in marginalized communities.

 

Eligibility Requirements

To fulfill grant obligations eligibility requirements are required for all City of Fresno residents who reside in the AB 617 grant-awarded designations. Residents who live in the designated AB 617 areas of Fresno are eligible to receive a free tree from the Adopt a Tree program. A 5-gallon drought-tolerant tree will be provided to each qualifying household. Not all city of Fresno residents will qualify for the Adopt a Tree program. Only residents residing in the AB 617 designation are eligible to participate in the program. Everyone is encouraged to apply but there is no guarantee that the application will be selected for the Adopt a Tree Program. Residents who do not qualify for the program will be referred to another organization that may have a free tree program.