Napa Master Gardeners Advise on Planting Trees for Climate Change

Experts recommend drought-tolerant species and water-wise practices to keep urban forests thriving.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:43pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a shaded garden scene, with soft, blurred brushstrokes of warm light and color creating an atmospheric, dreamlike quality.Napa's Master Gardeners offer guidance on cultivating climate-resilient urban forests to preserve the region's iconic tree canopy.Napa Today

As Napa County faces a warming climate, the local Master Gardeners are providing guidance to residents on how to select and care for trees that can withstand hotter, drier conditions. Their recommendations focus on choosing species adapted to the region's changing environment and using water efficiently to maintain healthy urban forests.

Why it matters

With climate change bringing higher temperatures and less rainfall to California's wine country, the advice from Napa's Master Gardeners is crucial for preserving the area's iconic tree canopy. Healthy urban forests provide important environmental benefits like cooling, air filtration, and stormwater management, so adapting tree selection and care practices is key to the long-term resilience of Napa's neighborhoods.

The details

The Master Gardeners suggest focusing on drought-tolerant tree species that are native or well-suited to Napa's Mediterranean climate, such as oaks, sycamores, and crape myrtles. They also recommend using water-efficient irrigation methods, mulching around tree bases, and avoiding over-watering to conserve limited water resources. Proper pruning and monitoring for pests are other important maintenance practices highlighted.

  • The Napa County Master Gardeners published their tree-planting guidance in April 2026.

The players

Gail Pavlosky

A UC Master Gardener of Napa County who authored the tree-planting recommendations.

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What they’re saying

“Maintaining healthy trees in Napa Valley's neighborhoods will require thoughtful planning, selecting species that can tolerate warmer conditions and using water wisely.”

— Gail Pavlosky, UC Master Gardener of Napa County

The takeaway

As Napa County faces the realities of climate change, the Master Gardeners' guidance on drought-tolerant, water-efficient tree selection and care provides a roadmap for residents to preserve the region's iconic urban forests for the future.