Plant-A-Tree Cotati

Rules and Regulations

1. Each Cotati "household" is entitled to two (2) trees per calendar year. For this program, a household is defined as, "The people that comprise a singular residential unit. One or more of these group members must be the owner of the unit." Multi-family units, apartment complexes, and commercial properties are also eligible to apply. Please see the 'FAQs' section for details.
   
   
2. The trees must be chosen from the list provided under the 'Eligible Tree Species' table below. At least one (1) of the trees purchased per year must be chosen from the Native Species list. Substitutes for the trees listed may be accepted with staff approval. An explanation for why the substitutes were chosen is required.
   
   
3. Size requirements: The Native Species tree must be at least 15-gallon size. The Fruit tree must be either bare root or 15-gallon size. Note that if you are purchasing two trees within the calendar year, one tree of 5 gallon size is eligible for approval.
   
   
4. The trees must be planted within Cotati city limits. 
   
   
5. Residents will be reimbursed for up to $150 spent per tree.
   
   
6. Residents are required to purchase the tree(s) themselves. Delivery and planting services are not offered by the City.

Eligible Tree Species

How To Apply For a Tree Reimbursement

1. Research which trees from the table provided would be most suitable for your property, given variables such as sunlight throughout the day, soil conditions, and interactions with other plant species. Also keep in mind the ideal time of year to plant a particular tree species. If you have any questions, it may be helpful to contact your local plant nursery.
   
   
2. Complete the Plant-A-Tree Cotati Reimbursement Application and submit to cduncan@cotaticity.org or in-person to City Hall, Community Development Department.
   
   
3. After your application has been approved, you can purchase your trees, ideally from a local nursery! Please see below for suggested nurseries around Sonoma County that typically carry natives and fruit trees. We recommend calling in advance to check inventory levels.
   
   

   Urban Tree Farm Nursery 3010 Fulton Road Fulton, CA 95439 707-544-4446	Sonoma Valley Wholesale Nursery 19655 Arnold Drive Sonoma, California 95476 707-815-8600
   Prickett's Nursery 5875 Sonoma Highway Santa Rosa, CA 95409  707-539-3030	Lowe's Cotati 7921 Redwood Drive Cotati, CA 94931 707-242-5029

   
   
4. Plant the trees on your property in Cotati. The planting location can be anywhere on your property, although we advise against planting too close to your dwelling and any property lines.
   
   
5. A household must apply for reimbursement within 30 days of purchasing the tree(s). Proof of purchase MUST be submitted either via email to cduncan@cotaticity.org or in-person at City Hall in the Community Development Department. The following items must be submitted to qualify for a reimbursement:
   1. Full receipt showing purchase of tree(s) within the last thirty calendar days from submittal date.
   2. Common name(s) of tree(s) purchased as well as size(s).
   3. Photo of the tree(s) planted in Cotati.
   4. Names of residents within household and address of household (where the tree(s) was/were planted).
   5. Name and mailing address of payor (this is where we will send the reimbursement check to).

FAQs

• Are multi-family properties and apartment complexes eligible to apply?
  • YES. The following rules apply:
    • Multi-Family Properties (Single Ownership Per Dwelling Unit): Each unit is entitled up to two trees per calendar year. The common area is also eligible for up to two trees per year, however applications for individual units and the common area cannot be applied for in the same year. 
    • Apartment Complexes: The entire complex is eligible for up to two trees per calendar year, whether these are planted in the common area, private property, or a mixture of both.
• What about commercial properties?
  • YES. The entire property (parcel) is entitled up to two trees per calendar year.
• Why were the above trees chosen to be on the "Eligible Tree Species" table?
  • The above trees were chosen due to their compatibility with our area's climate and overall ecosystem. The Native Trees selected are either native to the Northern California region or the entire state of California. Trees on this list have naturally grow in our area and have been for centuries. Continuing to plant these trees provides food and shelter to native wildlife, insects, and birds. Since these trees are native to the area, they tend to prosper and require less water than non-native species. For the Fruit Trees list, we tried to choose varieties that are better suited to Sonoma County's climate. Planting fruit trees also bolsters our City's support for Urban Agriculture.
• What if I need help transporting and planting my tree(s)?
  • Check in with the nursery you are purchasing the trees from to see if they offer delivery services. More information and tips on this coming soon!
• I still have questions. Who do I contact?
  • Please contact Carla Duncan by phone: (707) 665-3636 or by email: cduncan@cotaticity.org 
  • You may also visit the City Hall's Community Development department during our regular hours of operation