A newly published census on the state of San Francisco ’ s street trees provides the first clear understanding of how many there are , their location , species and condition – data that will inform how to nurture the vital urban forest for generations to come .
The citywide tree census , known as EveryTreeSF , established a comprehensive geodatabase that found there are 124,795 street trees in San Francisco . That is nearly 20,000 more than previous estimates . It also showed there are more than 500 species . The data looks forward , as well , by pinpointing approximately 40,000 potential planting locations , providing tremendous opportunity to grow the City ’ s urban forest .
EveryTreeSF census is a collaborative effort among San Francisco Public Works , San Francisco Planning , Friends of the Urban Forest , and the tree inventory firm ArborPro .
Beginning in January 2016 , a team of certified arborists began mapping and recording every street tree in the City . Upon completion in January
2017 , the census had identified the exact location , species and current condition of every tree , in addition to identifying potential vacant sites for future plantings . Trees on private property or in public parks were not included .
All the data from the census can be found on an online searchable website , UrbanForestMap . org . Visitors can zoom in to find information on street trees anywhere in the City , in addition to calculating the environmental benefits street trees provide . Each tree has its own page presenting its bio and people are welcome to upload a photo to help tell their tree ’ s story .
The census results come at a time of great opportunity with the passage of Proposition E in November 2016 . Taking effect on July 1 of this year , Prop . E gives Public Works maintenance responsibility for all the City ' s street trees and establishes a $ 19 million annual set-aside in the General Fund to pay for tree care and to repair sidewalks damaged by tree roots . San Francisco voters overwhelmingly supported the measure , with 79 percent in favor .
San Francisco Public Works ’ Bureau of Urban Forestry will be using the census data to help implement Prop . E , improve tree and sidewalk maintenance , inform future planting programs and promote public stewardship of the City ’ s urban forest .
Under Prop . E , the trees in most need will be addressed first , with pruning prioritized based on safety considerations , to correct structural flaws and to gain necessary clearances for overhead wires , traffic signs and signals , adjacent buildings and traffic flow . Routine pruning of street trees is anticipated to begin in 2019 . Public Works will continue to work with outside partners , including Friends of the Urban Forest , to ensure that replacement trees are planted and the City can grow the street tree population by 50 percent .
March 2017 - San Francisco Public Works Newsletter