INDICATOR

 STATUS

The city is looking at the percent of tree canopy coverage by neighborhood and the percent of newly planted and total number of trees that meet defined sustainability criteria. The target for tree canopy is to have an upward trend in the percentage of tree cover throughout the community. Unfortunately the precise data is not currently available by neighborhood, but will be measured in the next couple of years. Current estimates are based on previous inventories. The target for sustainable trees has not yet been determined, but an increase is expected to be beneficial.

There are approximately 33,500 trees of over 200 different species in Santa Monica’s community forest. Of these, 88% are in parkways and medians and 12% are in parks.  The most common tree in the city is the fan palm. There are more than 4,300 of them throughout the city. The second most common tree in the city is the Ficus Tree and contributes most significantly to the tree canopy.  There are 3,200 ficus trees throughout the city. The ficus account for 26% of the total asset value of all trees and 11% of all annual benefits, per the Community Forest Plan of 2000.   Tree Canopy coverage is most dense north of Montana with some areas greater than 50%.   The residential areas south of Pico have consistent 30% canopy, greater than the recommended 18% for urban residential areas.  Our urban commercial areas fall a bit short, but the average tree canopy is in line with the suggested average of 25% in the our region.

Trees provide environmental and public health benefits. They provide shade, increase the aesthetic value of the city and contribute to higher property values. The tree canopy contributes to reduction in storm water runoff, reduces solar gain and minimizes evaporative loss from excessive exposure to direct sun. Additionally, trees in the urban forest contribute to increased air quality. A study conducted by the U.S. Forest Service estimates that the air pollutant uptake by Santa Monica's tree canopy cover is 10.7 metric tons or 0.8 lb per tree. The city’s community forester estimates that municipal trees provide important health and environmental benefits to residents at an estimated value of $1.9 million or roughly $65 per tree. 

Santa Monica’s urban forest is fairly even-aged though the city has begun the gradual replacement of older trees.  This will result in a short-term reduction of canopy cover and the associated benefits. However, this loss will be offset by the benefits associated with planting the appropriate species of trees and diversifying the age of the city’s urban forest.

The last year, the city planted over 500 trees planted, 400 of which were provided via a grant through California Department of Forestry, 100 of which had not been replaced for some time or which were removed and replaced this year.  As these trees are removed or trimmed, the city utilizes by-products of tree trimming in its green waste program.