Overview of the program
Thank you for visiting the Commemorative Tree Program. Santa Barbara Beautiful, in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara, helps fund the purchase of new city street trees. The City of Santa Barbara’s Urban Forestry Division plants and maintains all City Trees. The City of Santa Barbara has authorized Santa Barbara Beautiful to administer the Commemorative Tree Program to dedicate qualified existing city street trees.
Check list for requesting a Commemorative plaque
#1 Find a street tree that you would like to dedicate.
Existing city street trees–grow in the parkway: between the sidewalk and curb of the street. See photo above.
– Trees need to be within the City of Santa Barbara.
– Previously dedicated trees with existing plaques do not qualify
– Trees in parks, Shoreline Park, Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, etc., do not qualify for commemorative tree plaques.
#2 Take a full-length photo of the tree you prefer.
It should show the tree growing in the parkway (the image needs to include from the tree well to the canopy. Taking the photos from across the street will help show the full tree.
#3 Email the photo(s) to us at [email protected].
– Include the street address—block number of the street, side of street and zip code.
– We will visit the site to determine if the tree is qualified for dedication.
#4 We will email you back to let you know if your tree has been approved and and what Tree Species it is.
Then go fill out the Tree Plaque application.
Please email us if you have questions or need clarification [email protected].
Frequently asked questions – FAQS
How do I find a tree that qualifies for dedication?
Find a street tree that you’d like to dedicate. Existing city street trees grow in the parkway. In the area between the sidewalk and curb of the street. See photo above.
– Trees need to be within the City of Santa Barbara.
– Previously dedicated trees with existing plaques do not qualify
– Trees in parks, Shoreline Park, Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, etc., do not qualify for commemorative tree plaques.What if I do not know the tree species of my selection?
- Email a full-length photo of the tree showing it growing in the parkway (from the tree well to the canopy) to [email protected]
- Include the street address—block number of the street/ side of street/ZIP
- We will identify the tree species and let you know if it qualifies for dedication
What is the fee?
- New Tree Plaques: $325
- Replacement of Damaged Plaques: $200
What is the size of the plaque?
- The metal inscription plate is 4” H x 6” W set in a sandstone concrete base
How do I apply?
Locate the Check List above, on this page and follow the instructions.
Will I see a proof of the Plaque before it is installed?
- Yes. A Plaque Inscription Proof will be sent via email for your review & approval.
How long does it take to dedicate the tree?
- It take approximately 4-6 weeks to dedicate a tree.
- Please feel free to contact us with questions: [email protected]
Information on the Certificate of Dedication
Once the plaque is installed a handsome calligraphy certificate is issued that inscribes the Name of Honoree; the Donor; the Tree species & street location.