Protecting and growing our urban forest is critical to reducing and adapting to climate change. Trees reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, absorb air pollutants, and help keep neighborhoods cooler, in turn which reduces energy use.
Cotati's Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance recognizes the importance of protecting our community's trees for both the cultural and environmental benefits trees provide. Oak trees and other native species are particularly significant in maintaining our area's natural ecosystem, and are therefore a particular focus of tree preservation efforts. The Tree Preservation Ordinance outlines the City's protection measures to save trees, procedures to remove diseased trees, and replacement requirements for trees that are removed.
Plant a Tree Cotati takes tree preservation a step further, and encourages the community's participation by giving away trees to residents for planting at their own residences. The program is coming soon; check back often for updates.