The first recorded sighting of Monterey Bay was in 1542. A Portuguese navigator sailing for Spain sighted Monterey Bay and named it "La Bahia De Los Pinos" (Bay of Pines). Monterey is a unique community whose parks, tree lined streets, and wooded areas make up its urban forest that contribute to the personality of the City. The City of Monterey is committed to maintaining a diverse population of native and ornamental trees. Public interest and awareness of the contribution the City makes is vital to the maintenance and development of the City of Monterey's Urban Forest. A healthy and well maintained urban forest can only be achieved by careful planning.

Tree selection is one of the most important decisions that a home owner makes when landscaping or replacing a tree lost to damage or disease. When selecting a new tree consider the following questions:

• Why is your tree being planted?
• What is the size and location of the planting site?
• What type of soil do you have?
• What is the purpose of the tree?