The City’s urban forest and corresponding tree canopy contribute significantly to environmental quality, public health, water management, economic stability, and overall aesthetics of the City. The City Council has also identified the need to review and expand the tree canopy, especially in areas that are deficient.

The City of Costa Mesa currently has 13.88% tree canopy cover citywide. Canopy coverage varies between Costa Mesa’ six council districts, ranging between 12.73% and 16.34%. Please see below for the Urban Canopy and Land Assessment study and a link to a webpage providing information on “Tree Benefits.”

In order to increase the tree canopy cover citywide, new trees have to be planted and maintained both in public rights-of-way and within private properties. The City is launching an initiative, “Celebrate America 250 by Planting 250 Trees.” See below link for more information on the initiative and how Costa Mesa residents and businesses can participate. To further this effort, the City is planting 80 trees at the Earth Day/Arbor Day Festival on April 18, 2026, at various City parks. The City will add more information on how we are progressing over the next few months.