Save Bakersfield’s Urban Tree Canopy

Bakersfield is losing its trees — and with them, critical protection against extreme heat and dangerous air pollution.

Between July and September 2025, the City of Bakersfield removed at least 657 street trees without a replacement budget, replacement requirement, or enforceable restoration plan. Meanwhile, Bakersfield’s urban tree canopy covers only an estimated 7–9% of the city, far below California’s average of 14.5%.

Trees are not decorative. In one of the most polluted regions in the nation, they are essential public infrastructure. Urban trees reduce dangerous heat, filter PM2.5 pollution, improve respiratory health, and protect vulnerable residents — especially children.

The burden of canopy loss falls hardest on disadvantaged neighborhoods in Central, East, and Southeast Bakersfield, where residents already face the city’s highest pollution levels and lowest access to shade and green space.

Bakersfield’s tree ordinances are outdated and fail to require:

• Replacement planting when trees are removed 
• Professional ANSI A300 tree care standards 
• Long-term urban forest planning 
• Dedicated funding for canopy expansion 

Without an adopted Urban Forest Management Plan, Bakersfield is also ineligible for key CAL FIRE urban forestry grants that other California cities are using to fund large-scale tree planting and maintenance.

We call on the Bakersfield City Council to:

• Adopt and implement the MIG Central City and Citywide Tree Plan 
• Update municipal tree ordinances and contractor standards 
• Require replacement planting for removed trees 
• Establish measurable canopy expansion goals citywide 
• Prioritize tree planting in disadvantaged neighborhoods 
• Apply for CAL FIRE urban forestry grants 
• Fund a sustainable tree maintenance and planting program 
• Include enforceable urban canopy goals in the Bakersfield 2045 General Plan

Every resident of Bakersfield breathes the same polluted air. Expanding our urban tree canopy is a public health investment, a climate resilience strategy, and an environmental justice necessity.

Trees are not a luxury. Bakersfield cannot afford to keep losing them.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action to protect and expand Bakersfield’s urban forest.

See also: Trees as Public Health and Climate Resilience Infrastructure by Anthony Palitto, Director Public Service Institute, CSUB

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xn8vVHwd5e3sY1TzSCiE2mrz4vM5L0ES/view?usp=drive_link

Furthermore, view some photos of over-trimmed and badly managed trees in Bakersfield's parks (credit: Sharon Briel) ​

 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IwrZVpzLrxVVv0vSAvpTwzNmnI8pUOJf?usp=drive_link