Urban Nature

Million Trees LA Initiative

To grow Los Angeles’ urban forest by planting one million trees, improving its tree canopy cover

Topic Areas Addressed:

Urban Nature

Keywords:

Submitting Jurisdiction:

City of Los Angeles

As an initiative of the Mayor in 2006 and lead by the Department of Public Works, Million Trees LA partners with non-profit groups, businesses, and residents to plant trees on all city-owned properties, parks, business properties, schools, and residential neighborhoods.

Annual benefits deriving from the planting of one million trees include:
• Saves approximately $10 million in energy costs and $23 million in air pollution cleanup costs
• Removes over 2 million pounds of air pollution
• Captures almost 2 billion gallons of storm-water

After conducting a tree canopy analysis on the entire city, it was discovered that the City had a tree canopy cover of 21%, which is lower than the national average. The analysis provides insight into exactly where planting trees will be more beneficial, creating target areas and maximizing the ultimate effect of this initiative.

Public Outreach and Education:

The Department of Water and Power provides the Trees for a Green LA Program in which Los Angeles residents may receive free shade trees by:
1. Completing an online workshop
2. Submitting a site plan with tree order

Million Trees LA Initiative is heavily based on public volunteering in order to reach its goal of one million planted trees. The public can further get involved by monetary donations, performing tree counts, and taking advantage of the Trees for Green LA Program.

Target Audience:

All Los Angeles residents

Measurable Outcomes:

As of July 2009, over 33,000 trees have been planted.

Public Support & Opposition:

Those in support of the initiative include the following City departments: Water and Power, Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Environmental Affairs, Fire, Police, LA Public Library, LA Zoo.

Aiding with research and further support: USDA Forest Service, PSW Research Station, Center for Urban Forest Research, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Hollywood/LA Beautification Team, LA Conservation Corps, Tree People, Community Partners, California Forest Council, LA County Arboretum.