Trees eligible for the tree rebate and sustainability feature

Tree Rebate

Turf Replacement Program participants are eligible for an additional incentive for planting trees as part of their Turf Replacement project. Receive $100 per tree, for up to 5 trees ($500), in addition to the Turf Replacement rebate! All account types (residential, commercial, & public agency) are eligible. 

Tree Rebate Information

The Tree Rebate IS NOT a standalone incentive. To reserve a Tree Rebate, you must apply to the Turf Replacement Program. There is no additional application for the Tree Rebate. Participant eligibility for the Tree Rebate will be reviewed upon submission of the completed Turf Replacement Project (see Tree Rebate requirements below). If your project has already been started or completed, you are not eligible for a Turf Replacement rebate and/or Tree Rebate. 

Participation in the Tree Rebate is optional but highly encouraged. Why plant a tree? Trees provide a multitude of benefits!

  • Reduce stormwater runoff
  • Sequester carbon
  • Promote healthy soils
  • Support biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife
  • Filter out air and water pollutants
  • Provide shade and cool surrounding air temperatures
  • Conserve energy
  • Improve mental health
  • Beautify your landscape
  • And more!

Tree Rebate Terms and Conditions:

  • Program participant will receive $100 per qualifying tree installed as part of a Turf Replacement project. Maximum of 5 trees ($500) per application per fiscal year.
  • Trees must be installed within the Turf Replacement project area in order to qualify. Existing trees are not eligible for the rebate. The project area is defined as the area with existing turf to be removed and where the required program features will be installed. 
  • Newly installed trees must meet a minimum size of 15 gallons.
  • Trees must be expected to grow at least 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide canopy at maturity. The minimum mature size qualification is waived for edible fruit trees.
  • Fruit trees are eligible for a rebate for residential projects only.
  • Trees listed on the Tree Exclusion List below are not eligible for a rebate. The exclusion list is subject to change at any time.
  • Receipts or invoices for eligible trees are required. The document must include size and species of each tree. Third party receipts or invoices are not allowed (i.e. contractor or landscaper purchase receipts). In cases where a contractor/landscaper provided the tree, their invoice to you is required and it also must detail the species and size of eligible trees.
  • The installation of each new eligible tree in the turf replacement project area will count as three plants towards the total turf replacement project plant count requirement.
  • Trees must be appropriately planted with consideration to other trees, hardscape, powerlines, and any other potential site conditions.
  • Program participant is responsible for complying with all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations as indicated by the City in which the project takes place, including obtaining a permit or waiver for the conversion if applicable. If planting a tree in your parkway, please contact your City to confirm any requirements and restrictions.

Selected tree must meet the following tree definition:

  • A tree is defined as a woody perennial plant with many secondary branches supported some height above the ground by commonly one main stem or trunk. Multi-trunk trees such as Palo Verde trees and Toyon also qualify. 

Tree Exclusion List

The following trees are NOT eligible for the Tree Rebate:

  • Any invasive trees listed on CAL-IPC (Installing invasive plants will also void your Turf Replacement rebate) including but not limited to:
    • Edible Fig (Ficus carica)
    • Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)
    • Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia)
    • Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
    • Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
    • Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera)
  • Trees without spreading canopies (ie Italian cypress)
  • Palm Trees
  • Hedges
  • For commercial properties, fruit trees are not eligible
  • Woody plants such as shrubs, arborescent shrubs not pruned as trees, or plants used to create hedges or other closely planted buffers or thick borders on private property
  • Specimens bred or pruned to maintain an artificially reduced canopy such as topiary, espaliered, pollarded specimens, and small weeping varieties

 

Tree Resources