Santa Barbara Clean Energy (SBCE) is starting a Community Tree Program, a pilot initiative in partnership with the city of Santa Barbara Creeks Division.

The program offers free native trees to residential SBCE customers who want to enhance their properties and contribute to a healthier environment.

The program supports the city’s Climate Action Plan, which identifies urban tree planting as a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gases.

Eligible participants can choose from a selection of climate-appropriate native trees, including island ironwood, elderberry, coast live oak, toyon, and California bay laurel.

In addition to beautifying neighborhoods, the trees will provide vital benefits like shade, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration, the city said.

“This is a great opportunity to empower community members to take meaningful climate action at home,” said Jon Griesser, SBCE programs manager.

“Trees are one of nature’s most effective tools for capturing carbon from the atmosphere, and we are delighted to offer this program to our customers,” Griesser said.

Each approved applicant will receive one five-gallon tree. Quantities are limited and trees are available by reservation only. Once approved, participants will be notified of the pick-up date, time and location.

To learn more and reserve a tree, visit SBCE Community Tree Program at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SBCETrees.

Santa Barbara Clean Energy is a not-for-profit program of the City of Santa Barbara that supplies clean, cost-competitive electricity for homes and businesses in the city of Santa Barbara.