The Benefits of Trees
Trees are good for communities in many ways -more oxygen and better air quality. Trees beautify neighborhoods and therefore increase property values. During the summer, they promote energy savings through shading. During the winter leaves and tree basins intercept water run-off and limit flooding. In addition, trees reduce noise pollution, create privacy, furnish homes for birds, supply fresh air and offset the impacts of car exhaust. Carbon sequestering in trees lowers the effect of global warming.
Albany’s Urban Forest
Albany has approximately 5,000 public trees (in parks and along streets). Albany strives toward a green city. Plants and trees are a big part of that. Regular maintenance and increasing our urban forest is vital to Albany. Individuals, blocks, neighborhoods can collectively have a great impact on Albany. New construction projects generally require owners to purchase street tree(s) to be planted by Albany staff in the public right-of-way adjacent to the project.
Order your tree today!
Did you know that individual property owners could purchase a street tree to be planted by Albany Staff in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property?
- Review the 2010 Approved Street Tree List and pick out a tree and consult the City of Albany Arborist, Tony Wolcott (Email: twolcott@albanyca.org)
- Complete the Street Tree Order Form (also available at City Hall) and bring it with the required fee to the Community Development Office, located in City Hall.
- Staff will plant trees throughout the year when demand and availability allow.
Once your new Street Tree is planted you agree to water the tree according to the instructions provided by the City. Keep the tree basin free of weeds and mulched. Request (see work request form) for pruning or re-staking should timely in a timely manner. Understand the liability issues with trees.
In turn, the City will handle pruning and care of the street tree. Aside from requests, trees are pruned on a regular basis. Safety pruning for clearances, wires and visibility are handle by the City of Albany.
Block Urban Forest Focus (BUFF)
Another way of receiving a street tree is to get involved in improving your neighborhood under the Block Urban Forest Focus (BUFF)