Tree Lodi's 2025 Shade Tree Program is Open!

Lodi

Sep 23

Take Advantage of Lodi's 2025 Shade Tree Program: Free Trees for a Cooler, Greener Future

Your Opportunity to Save Energy and Beautify Your Property

Lodi residents can greatly enhance their properties and reduce energy costs by participating in the 2025 Shade Tree Program, a community initiative from Tree Lodi, Lodi Electric Utility, and the City of Lodi. Starting September 1, 2025, every eligible household can receive up to three free shade trees, including personalized guidance for placement and planting. Over 2,000 shade trees have already been planted in Lodi since the program’s start, with more than 1000 distributed last season. With high demand, interested residents are encouraged to apply early.

Who Is Eligible?

All Lodi City residents and Lodi Electric customers qualify. Whether you own or rent, if you receive electric service from Lodi Electric Utility, you’re eligible for this energy-saving program. Each qualifying household benefits from a landscape assessment and up to three free shade trees.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Submit Your Application

Visit the Tree Lodi Shade Tree Program page and fill out the online application. Provide your:

Name and contact info
Property address
Lodi Electric Utility account details
Preferred planting locations
Notes about overhead utilities or underground pipes

2. Contact from the Shade Tree Coordinator

You’ll be contacted within seven days by the Shade Tree Program Coordinator who will:

Confirm eligibility
Schedule a site visit
Discuss available tree species and the process

3. Arborist Home Visit and Tree Selection

Tree Lodi's certified arborist will assess your property for soil, space, sun, and possible utility concerns. Choices will focus on optimal tree locations for cooling and efficiency. The arborist helps select the best species for your yard out of several climate-suited trees provided in the program.

4. Tree Delivery and Planting

Trees (usually in 5-gallon containers) are delivered with instructions during the ideal planting season. This ensures the best start for your new trees.

How to Plant Your Shade Tree

For a demonstration, watch William Nantt’s video on Facebook.

Essential Planting Steps

Select the Location: Place trees at least 20 feet from foundations and 4 feet from overhead lines. Call 811 before digging.
Dig Properly: The hole should be 2–3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself.
Prepare the Tree: Find the trunk flare and remove containers and burlap. Loosen or prune encircling roots.
Correct Height: Position so the trunk flare is slightly above ground. Don’t plant too deep.
Backfill and Water: Blend soil with compost, firm the soil, and water with 15–20 gallons.
Mulch: Place 2–4” mulch around the tree, but keep away from the trunk.

Ongoing Care

First month: Water deeply 2–3 times per week
Months 2–3: Water weekly with 10–15 gallons
Years 2–3: Continue weekly in growing season
Check soil 4” deep for moisture before re-watering

Maximize Your Energy Savings

Shade trees placed on east and west sides of your home can reduce air conditioning costs and improve comfort. Deciduous trees give summer shade while letting in winter sun, and shading pavement reduces heat reflection.

Join Our Community Forest

The Tree Lodi organization, led by experienced volunteers and arborists, has been vital in expanding Lodi’s canopy and civic pride. By joining this program, you’ll boost neighborhood beauty, home value, and environmental well-being for years to come. Applications open September 1, 2025: Apply here. Watch William Nantt’s planting video here.

References

TreeLodiLodi Electric

Don Bradford