Expanding LA's Urban Forest

The County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office is leading the effort to prepare the county's first Urban Forest Management Plan.

2 minute read

March 19, 2024, 11:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Mature jacaranda trees full of purple blooms on street in Los Angeles, California.

rob70 / Adobe Stock

Made up of trees on both public and private lands, the urban forest is an essential part of a healthy, thriving, and resilient community. When spread equitably and supported by other urban greening measures, a well-managed urban forest throughout Los Angeles County can deliver a wide range of benefits, such as healthier soils, biodiversity, habitats, shading from heat, and greater community health and well-being.

The County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) is leading the effort to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) which is a blueprint that will guide the planting of new trees and the protection of mature trees throughout the region. OurCounty, L.A. County's Sustainability Plan, calls for the development of the UFMP to ensure a climate-appropriate, healthy urban tree canopy that is equitably distributed. A key goal for the UFMP is to address inequities in the distribution of trees and tree canopy as well as the benefits they offer. Research shows that lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color often have less tree canopy.

In this article, CSO policy analyst Rebecca Ferdman addresses the following important questions and more:

  • Compared to most major urban areas, does L.A. have a relatively healthy urban forest?
  • Why are trees so important? Both from an ecological point of view and a quality of life point of view? 
  • What role do trees play in climate change? How can they help us adapt to rising temperatures, wildfires and the like?
  • What can we do to make sure that all residents benefit from vibrant tree canopies?
  • What kind of trees should we be planting in our communities? 
  • Is the iconic palm tree maybe a thing of the past?
  • What is driving the County's UFMP and what do you hope to achieve?

To learn more, please read the source article.

Friday, March 1, 2024 in Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

2 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

3 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.