Palo Alto Sees Growing Number of Parched, Neglected Trees

Annual report finds young trees in need of more homeowner care and city intervention

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Palo Alto's trees are generally in better shape than a year ago, but a growing number are suffering due to insufficient watering and lack of homeowner care, according to the latest Young Tree Care Survey Report from the nonprofit Canopy. The report found 77% of young trees were in 'good' or 'excellent' condition, up 5% from last year, but the number of trees needing water increased by 16.7% and 37 were flagged as requiring immediate intervention. Canopy cited a need for more homeowner education or water accessibility, as well as city action to address issues like structural pruning and mulch clearing.

Why it matters

Palo Alto has made a concerted effort over the past decade to increase its urban tree canopy, especially in underserved southern neighborhoods. The health of the city's young trees is a key indicator of the success of these efforts and the overall vitality of Palo Alto's urban forest, which provides important environmental and quality-of-life benefits to residents.

The details

The annual Young Tree Care Survey, conducted by Canopy in partnership with the city, inspected 840 young trees planted within the last 5 years. While the overall percentage of trees in 'good' or 'excellent' condition improved, the number requiring more water skyrocketed by 16.7% from the prior year. Canopy believes this could indicate a need for more homeowner education or water accessibility. The survey also found 37 'red alert' trees needing immediate attention, and 40 trees that were likely removed without the city's knowledge, contributing to a young tree mortality rate just above 5%. Canopy notified the city of issues like the need for structural pruning, stake removal, and basin rebuilding that require municipal intervention.

  • The Young Tree Care Survey is conducted annually by Canopy.
  • The latest survey was conducted in 2024, reviewing the health of trees planted in the last 5 years.

The players

Canopy

A nonprofit organization that has planted thousands of trees in Palo Alto over the past decade, especially in southern neighborhoods, and conducts the annual Young Tree Care Survey in partnership with the city.

City of Palo Alto

The local government that has worked with Canopy on urban tree planting and maintenance efforts.

Jean-Paul Renaud

The Executive Director of Canopy, who stated that trees are as fundamental to a city's health and safety as clean drinking water, functioning traffic lights, and emergency services.

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What they’re saying

“This is the kind of foundational work that strong urban forestry depends on. We're proud to have helped produce one of the most comprehensive, community-powered assessments of an urban forest in California, and grateful for the City of Palo Alto's long-term commitment to partnership. These reports don't just document where we are — they help chart where we go next.”

— Jean-Paul Renaud, Executive Director of Canopy (Press release)

What’s next

Canopy notified the City of Palo Alto of any issues that need to be addressed, such as the need for more homeowner education, improved water accessibility, and municipal actions like structural pruning and basin rebuilding.

The takeaway

Palo Alto's efforts to grow its urban tree canopy, especially in underserved areas, face ongoing challenges with young tree health due to insufficient homeowner care and the need for more city intervention. Addressing these issues will be crucial to sustaining the city's urban forest and the environmental and quality-of-life benefits it provides.