Sacramento County residents are eligible to receive up to 10 free shade trees through the Sacramento Shade Tree program thanks to our partnership with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).

Sacramento Shade customers can choose from over 30 deciduous trees. Deciduous trees shade your home during the summer and lose their leaves to let the sun warm your home in the winter. This helps you save energy all year. 

You can also review our planting guidelines to learn more about selecting the right tree for your space.

Now there are even more ways to get your free SMUD shade trees! 

Virtual Appointments

• Virtual appointments are a fun, easy online conference between you and one of our expert Community Foresters
• By using Join Me, your Forester will share their computer screen with you to review your property together online.
• Your Forester will discuss the best places to plant trees and the best varieties to plant that will provide the most shade and best energy savings.
• Once you agree on a planting plan, you will sign an online planting agreement and your trees, stakes, and ties will be delivered within 2 weeks.
• Call our office at (916) 924-8733 or complete an online interest form to see if you qualify for a virtual appointment.

In-Person Assessments

• Your Community Forester will meet you at your home.
• Together, you will discuss the best places to plant trees and the best varieties to plant that will provide the most shade and best energy savings.
• Once you agree on a planting plan, you will sign a planting agreement and your trees, stakes, and ties will be delivered within 2 weeks.
• Call our office at (916) 924-8733 or complete an online interest form to schedule your in-person assessment. 

Energy Saving Trees Online Tool

• Use the new Energy Saving Trees website to map your home and select trees for your space.
• Once you submit your online planting plan, an expert Community Forester will review the trees and planting locations.
• You will speak with your Forester over the phone to learn more about planting and caring for your trees and to make sure your planting plan has "the right tree in the right place" for your home.
• Once you agree on the planting plan, you will sign an online planting agreement and your trees, stakes, and ties will be delivered within 2 weeks.

If you live outside of Sacramento County or don't have room to plant energy savings shade trees, we encourage you to visit a local retail nursery to purchase your tree(s). Use our Shady Eighty Tree Guide (.pdf) to help you choose a tree that will grow well in our climate and provide the greatest benefits.

Have questions? Call us at (916) 924-8733, email us, or review our frequently asked questions!