As the city of Los Angeles stands at a pivotal moment in its relationship with its lush urban forest, the future of its iconic palm trees is under scrutiny.
We gather to prepare for a farewell, not borne from mass deterioration but a need to reassess the ecological health of our green spaces.
The season of many of these palms, welcomed into the city with the ambition of creating an ‘American Mediterranean,’ is coming to an end.
As Ecclesiastes reminds us, everything has its sure season, with a time to plant and a time to remove.
After enduring devastating fires and grappling with climate change, L.A. is compelled to reconsider the types of trees that will thrive in its environment.
Thousands of trees have perished due to wildfires, disease, and aging, leaving Angelenos questioning how to revitalize an aging urban forest.
The original L.A. landscape was distinctively less lush, primarily composed of chaparral, shrubs, and grasses, rather than the outsized palm trees that now dominate the skyline.
These palms arrived first through California’s missionaries and later became a staple of the city’s identity, brought in as scenic props during the City Beautiful movement of the early 20th century.
However, now is the time for a critical reevaluation of these trees, as their water consumption and limited ecological benefits have started to outweigh their ornamental charm.
TreePeople, a nonprofit organization dedicated to urban forestry, has long been advocating for a shift towards a more environmentally sustainable approach to tree planting in Los Angeles.
Bryan Vejar, a master arborist at TreePeople, emphasizes the importance of viewing trees as essential infrastructure rather than mere decorations.
He notes the significant benefits trees provide to community health and safety, advocating for plantings that can adapt to climate forecasts 50 or 60 years into the future.
Furthermore, native trees play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, including various pollinators and bird species.
These considerations highlight the need for trees that can thrive in diverse soil types across different neighborhoods, making it imperative to choose wisely when replacing aging palms.
So, what can we expect to see in terms of tree selections moving forward?
The palm species that currently dominate urban landscapes are on the way out, with various other non-native species, like sweet gums and many eucalyptus, also facing removal.
These species not only constitute invasive plants but also pose significant ecological and health-related challenges.
TreePeople’s negative assessment includes the well-known “tree of heaven,” recognized for its ability to harm soil health and native biodiversity.
Vejar encourages residents to actively eradicate these trees from their gardens, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
In the realm of replacements, the focus will shift toward plants that offer more in terms of ecological benefits.
Native oaks, sycamores, black walnut, desert willows, drought-tolerant African sumac, and Chinese pistache are among the promising candidates that show resilience and adaptability.
While ficus trees are effective at filtering air pollution and providing shade, their aggressive root systems have buried cities in mounting legal issues due to sidewalk damage.
With palm trees fading from the scene, what trees will replace them as the new stars of L.A.’s urban forest?
Although traditional choices might include oaks and sycamores, one contender stands out: the jacaranda.
This tree not only presents stunning beauty with its prolific purple blooms, but it also grows comparatively quickly, is forgiving in various soils, and shelters a rich diversity of pollinators.
While its fallen petals may create a sticky situation, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to the dazzling display of nature it provides.
As L.A. moves forward in reimagining its urban oasis, prioritizing trees that offer resilience, ecological value, and aesthetics could lead to a greener, healthier city for generations to come.
By making thoughtful selections now, Angelenos will pave the way for a vibrant urban forest that aligns with both ecological needs and community welfare.
image source from：latimes
