by Brian Wiedenmeier, Executive Director If you’re like me, you feel anxious this time of year. Drought and heat mean wildfires in Northern California, along with the bad air they create. As these fires become worse, it’s easy to feel helpless. Bringing neighbors together to plant and care for San Francisco’s urban forest is an… read more »
Tell City Hall: we need more trees
“The best available technology for pulling carbon dioxide from the air is something called a tree.” ― Al Gore Sometimes the urban forest needs advocates — people who can “speak for the trees.” This is one of those times: the City is seeking public input on its Climate Action Plan. You and other friends of… read more »
Healthy Soil
The key to a healthy garden (vegetable, habitat, or ornamental) is understanding your soil. Soil requirements can vary among different garden types, but there are a few tried and true tips for building healthy soils. Test your soil Although it’s not required, knowing the primary nutrient levels and pH (scale of acidity) of your soil… read more »
See a tree problem? Report it!
If you notice a street tree that has been damaged or knocked over by a vehicle, or vandalized, or that has dropped a limb or fallen over, or looks like it might fall over, please report it! Friends of the Urban Forest can provide emergency care for small young trees (for about the first five… read more »
Keeping your block beautiful
San Francisco is a challenging place for street trees and sidewalk gardens because of our sandy or clay-like soils, strong salty winds, rainless summers, and many dogs. Even so, we have many mature and beautiful street trees and sidewalk gardens to learn from. We recommend: Regular watering helps plants and young trees (even drought-tolerant species)… read more »
Racial justice = environmental justice
We want to live in a world where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) don’t have to bear the burden of environmental injustice, violent over-policing, job discrimination, and inequitable health care, housing, and educational services. We regularly plant trees in neighborhoods that are subject to and affected by discriminatory police practices, institutionalized racism, and… read more »