In the wake of the devastating fires that swept across Los Angeles, tree advocates are left grappling with the immense task of rebuilding urban greenery that has been lost. For years, these advocates have worked tirelessly to increase tree coverage in neighborhoods, aiming to combat heat, air pollution, and provide shade to underserved communities. But the fierce Santa Ana winds and raging fires have destroyed countless trees, leaving streets bare and parks scarred.
Photos shared by city arborists show large trees toppled onto homes and scorched canopies across areas like South LA, Watts, and Inglewood—communities that already struggle with limited shade. The fires have not only ravaged established trees but also left new plantings vulnerable, with young saplings easily drying out without proper care. Watering and maintaining these young trees has become a difficult challenge as the air remains unsafe for field crews.
Urban tree experts like Bryan Vejar, associate director at TreePeople, emphasize the importance of replanting trees to restore neighborhoods. However, climate change has made this task far more complex. The extreme heat and fluctuating weather patterns have made it difficult to plant trees that can withstand droughts and intense heat, pushing experts to explore more native species like the coast live oak. These resilient trees not only survive fires but actually depend on them to regenerate.
Yet, even with good intentions, planting climate-resilient trees in urban areas isn’t simple. Cities must carefully balance community needs, available space, and safety considerations. Trees that provide significant shade can make driving more difficult or reduce visibility around corners, while underground infrastructure can limit planting space. It will take years, if not decades, for neighborhoods to regain the tree coverage lost in these fires.
Despite the setbacks, tree advocates remain determined to rebuild. They understand that urban forests are vital for creating sustainable, livable communities in the face of ongoing climate challenges. Their focus now is on planting the right trees that can thrive in future extreme weather conditions while fostering community resilience.
