UC Davis’ vibrant tree canopy is more than a hallmark of its picturesque campus—it’s a testament to the university’s commitment to sustainability. These trees provide cooling shade, cleaner air, and a richer quality of life for everyone who walks its paths.

Through the Campus Tree Renewal Program, the Arboretum and Public Garden plants at least 150 trees annually, ensuring the continued vitality of the campus’s tree population. Design and Construction Management also plays a vital role, thoughtfully integrating trees into construction project landscapes and campuswide planning efforts.

Trees are planted on campus for many reasons: to create new landscapes, replace those removed for health or safety concerns, and address the challenges of climate change. This work is increasingly critical, as campus climate models and a tree assessment from the UC Davis Living Landscape Adaptation Plan  reveal that over half of the 26,000-plus trees on campus may become vulnerable to climate change and unsuitable for the region by the end of the century. These collaborative efforts are vital to securing the future of UC Davis’ iconic tree canopy.

Beyond the Grove: The People Behind the Trees

Each tree planted is the result of thoughtful planning, innovative strategies, and synergy among students and staff experts. Key figures in this collaboration include Urban Forester Tyler Kern, Campus Landscape Architect Christina DeMartini Reyes, and the Arboretum and Public Garden’s Learning by Leading™ Urban Tree Stewardship team led by Director of GATEways Horticulture and Teaching Gardens Emily Griswold.

Kern’s focus on urban forestry brings a safety and sustainability lens, Reyes’ expertise in design and long-term planning ensures that every planting considers campus aesthetics together with knowledge of current and future construction projects, while Griswold and her students tie it all together with a focus on student engagement and community building. Together, they’re creating a campus landscape that’s as beautiful as it is functional and educational.

Annual Themes: A Rotating Focus

Each year since 2022, UC Davis’ tree-planting efforts have followed unique themes developed by Kern and designed to align with campus priorities to tackle specific issues. So far the themes have included converting turf to trees, mitigating the effects of parking lot heat islands, and infilling areas on campus where trees have been removed.

Transforming turf into thriving tree groves not only beautifies the campus but also addresses critical issues like water conservation and climate adaptation. For example, on the north side of Hoagland Hall, a eucalyptus grove and a patch of turf was converted into a flourishing row of young, climate-resilient trees supported by layers of water-retaining wood chips. These trees, now boasting diameters of 2–3 inches, represent years of careful planning and dedication.

“We’re starting to see some of the benefits these trees are bringing over the last few years as they establish their roots and their canopy grows,” Kern said.

In areas like the parking lot in the Shrem Art District, the team has planted drought-tolerant trees to combat the urban heat island effect. These include unique species like southern California native Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), chosen for its ability to thrive in the hot, dry conditions of California’s future climate.

Every tree planted is part of a larger strategy informed by data – this year the team’s focus is on infilling missing trees. A campuswide inventory revealed over 2,000 vacant tree wells and gaps in existing rows. Filling these spaces requires more than just selecting species; it involves weighing factors like soil type, irrigation availability and aesthetics. 

Designing for Aesthetics and Safety

Designing the campus’s canopy is about more than planting trees—it’s also about creating an accessible and safe environment. 

“You may not be able to put your finger on why our campus has such a welcoming environment, but there’s intention behind it all,” said Reyes. “The spacing, the rhythm—it’s all part of creating a campus that feels good to be in.”

As Campus Landscape Architect, Reyes approaches planning tree plantings like “solving a puzzle.” 

“You’re balancing color, texture, shade, and future growth, all while keeping in mind the challenges of climate change,” Reyes said. “We’re thinking about how these trees will look in 20, 30, even 50 years, and how they’ll interact with their surroundings, from safety to aesthetics to sustainability.”

Student Involvement: Learning by Leading

Students also play a role in tree planting efforts through the Arboretum and Public Garden’s Learning by Leading™ Urban Tree Stewardship program. This innovative internship empowers students to improve the longevity and resilience of our campus tree canopy. 

“The students are incredible,” said Griswold. “They’re not just learning how to plant trees; they’re learning how to think critically about urban forestry, and how to make decisions that balance immediate needs with future impacts.”

Through the internship, students get hands-on experience in tree care and tree biology, all while contributing to the creation of healthier, more sustainable urban environments. The Arboretum and Public Garden’s unique position in pioneering what a climate-resilient urban forest looks like in this region offers students opportunities to learn to propagate trees that are not commercially available. Recent efforts have focused on California native species, such as oaks and cypresses, known for their drought tolerance and robust structure.

Urban Tree Stewardship interns are also helping trial trees from Texas, organizing public plantings and other community engagement activities. In doing so, they gain leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the ecological, social, and economic benefits of trees.

Currently, events scheduled for January, February, and March will involve students, staff, and community members planting trees near Kemper and Meyer Halls, around the Lake Spafford area, as well as filling vacant tree wells. Register for one or more of these events via the links above.

A Deeper Appreciation for the Canopy

Next time you walk under the shade of a tree at UC Davis, take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary effort behind it. From the careful selection of the species, to the installation of irrigation systems, thought goes into every detail. And perhaps, most inspiring of all, is the realization that UC Davis’ students—the next generation of environmental stewards—are at the heart of it all.