Greening Los Angeles One Free Tree At A Time
For any of its customers who would like to plant a purple flowering Jacaranda or a New Zealand Christmas shade tree on their property, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is giving away free shade trees. Up to seven trees are available to each home, and customers can choose from about 30 species that are available at any given time.
The city benefits because a tree-shaded home uses less energy for air conditioning, thus lowering electricity use and costs for residents. This, in turn, helps lessen air pollution that comes from the generation of electricity.
An independent analysis of the Trees for a Green LA program shows that for every dollar spent, approximately $17.50 will be returned as avoided costs for energy supply and air pollution control.
This total also takes into account the environmental and social benefits associated with planting trees, such as stormwater runoff reduction, increased property value and scenic quality, and improved human health and well being.v LADWP has made it simple for Los Angeles City residents to receive free trees through the Trees for a Green LA program.
Program designers have developed a comprehensive List of Available Residential Trees with input from several urban forestry experts, including landscape architects and local arborists. A variety of low and moderate water use species, appropriate for the different areas in Los Angeles, are offered, although available species may vary from season to season.
Some of the large trees available now are – Southern magnolia, Italian stone pine, Coast live oak, and Deodar cedar – and each of them will grow morethan 40 feet high.
Customers can choose medium trees such as a Chinese flame tree or a Purple orchid tree.
Small tree choices might be a Japanese loquat or a Golden medallion tree.
Before their trees arrive, customers participate in a short online or one hour neighborhood workshop. The Los Angeles Conservation Corps, the prime contractor for the program, is helping to coordinate the neighborhood workshops, which are led by trained workshop leaders from several of Los Angeles’ key community organizations.
Then they submit a completed tree order and site plan. The LADWP delivers the trees to the customer’s home; but they must then plant and care for them.
Provided by the Environmental News Service.
