The 2022-2023 CityTrees planting season was a success, with 255 trees planted across various communities of Redwood City. A special focus was placed on planting in disadvantaged and pollution burdened communities to address inequities in urban green spaces. 

“The planting season started off with an ambitious pace in the fall, soon to be bedeviled by historic storms, localized flooding, saturated soils, and falling trees that challenged our plans,” said Filip Crnogorac, CityTrees President. “However, I am heartened that the board and our partners in the city showed resilience and flexibility to see our grant obligations fulfilled on schedule, and provide more than 200 street trees to the community.” 

Each tree planted is expected to sequester 2.3 metric tons of carbon over the next 40 years, leading to over 586 metric tons of carbon sequestered. Plus the trees will improve air quality by filtering pollutants and reduce the urban heat island effect, which can lower energy bills.  

The planting included a diverse selection of tree varieties, such as Cork Oak, Crepe Myrtle, African Sumac, Bay Laurel Saratoga, Netleaf Oak, and other trees suitable for the climate and area. 

David Grabel, the Vice President of CityTrees, noted that the 2022-2023 planting season was fulfilling in more than one way. Grabel highlighted the sense of community amongst volunteers and the board that emerged during the planting process and expressed his hope that this would continue through the pruning season.

A special thank you to the Redwood City Public Works Department (DPW), who supported the organization this planting season by auguring holes, shuttling trees to planting locations and helping water the newly planted specimens.