Several years ago, we released our sustainability strategy, which outlines a series of aspirational goals to help our region and our state as well as meet our shared climate goals. Our goals include things like developing more energy storage and local microgrids, expanding our fleet of zero-emission fleet vehicles and enhancing local biodiversity by planting at least 10,000 trees each year, beginning in 2021.
We are pleased to announce that we have surpassed our tree planting goal, with more than 45,000 trees planted and donated throughout our service
territory over the past three years. Through a combination of programs including our Sustainable Tree Program, Community Tree Rebate Program and Healthy Communities Fruit Tree Program, we are working with hundreds of stakeholders to plant and care for all kinds of trees. These efforts aren’t possible without the involvement of our customers who have taken action, by participating in our Community Tree Rebate Program or advocating their local governments for community tree planting events, like Arbor Day. Just this month, we have participated in Arbor Day celebrations in: El Cajon, Encinitas, Chula Vista, San Diego, Del Mar and more. We have also been working closely with tribal communities to help them replant culturally significant trees such as oak trees on tribal lands.
Here are a few fun facts about our tree planting programs and some examples of recent collaborations that are helping to expand our regional tree canopy.
- Most popular trees: For trees in more rural areas, our most popular tree species is a native species named the Coast Live Oak. In more urban communities that lend themselves to street trees or smaller ornamental trees that are power line friendly, the most popular is the Crape Myrtle.
- Communities planting the most trees: The communities taking the greatest advantage of our tree planting programs are in Jamul (91935), Ramona (92065), Valley Center (92082), El Cajon (92021) and Escondido (92027).
- Tree Survival: Through comprehensive program audits, we have identified a success rate of more than 88%, meaning that only 12% of trees are vandalized, diseased or die during the 12-18 month audit period. This is much higher than the industry average, meaning that tree partners are doing a great job of maintaining the trees and we are doing a good job of vetting planting sites in advance.
All of our tree planting programs emphasize the “right tree, right place” approach to prevent planting incompatible trees near power lines or other SDG&E infrastructure. We also remind all of our partners of the importance of contacting 811 before digging your tree wells to ensure that you do not encounter underground utility infrastructure from SDG&E, telecommunications, water or sewer.
We welcome our customers to join us on this tree-planting journey through one of our various programs. Visit our website to learn more.