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SAN FRANCISCO URBAN FOREST PLAN
1 GREEN ROOFS & LIVING WALLS
What Is an Urban Forest? This Plan uses the term “urban forest”1 to describe the collection of trees and other vegetation found along San Francisco’s streets and within the built environment. The urban forest is distinguished by its urban setting full of paved surfaces, buildings, parks and large human population. Our urban forest is primarily human-created - the result of tree planting and greening activities carried out by people rather than a native forest ecoystem. Given its location, it requires regular maintenance to keep roads, sidewalks and parks clear and safe. The concept of an “urban forest” allows us to think holistically about trees and other vegetation found within the city, quantify their benefits, and manage this natural resource for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Rooftop gardens, green roofs and living walls provide many planting and greening opportunities on buildings.
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2 TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
1 Previous but related descriptions of San Francisco’s urban forest include the following: “San Francisco’s urban forest is comprised of all the trees and other vegetation found within city limits, a collected greenscape that provides environmental, economic, and social benefits for today and into the future,” (San Francisco Urban Forestry Council, 2005). “Urban Forest: Any significant stand of non-indigenous trees,” (San Francisco Recreation & Park Department, Significant Natural Resource Areas Management Plan, 2006).
Trees and plantings on private property including front and backyards of homes and apartment buildings make up a significant portion of the urban forest.
3 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE
Trees and plantings in the urban environment require consistent maintenance and care to ensure health and public safety.