Leaf it to Sacramento: The City of A Million Trees

Sacramento’s nickname as the “City of Trees” isn’t just marketing — it’s a measurable reality. With an estimated 1 million trees and a canopy that covers approximately 20% of the city, Sacramento ranks among the most tree-dense cities in the United States.

In a global study by MIT’s Treepedia project, which measures urban canopy via Google Street View, Sacramento placed among the top 10 cities worldwide for green coverage, edging out cities like New York and San Francisco. That leafy canopy has a measurable impact — helping cool summer temperatures, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality in a city known for its long, hot summers.

The city’s urban forest includes hundreds of species, from native oaks to ginkgos and elms, and is actively maintained and expanded by groups like the Sacramento Tree Foundation and the City of Sacramento’s Urban Forestry Division. Sacramento was one of the first U.S. cities to have a dedicated urban forester, and has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for more than 40 consecutive years.

This abundance of trees enhances the city’s walkability and livability, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown and East Sacramento, where shaded streets and historic homes create a canopy-rich charm that surprises many first-time visitors.