Exploring the Urban Forest of Los Angeles
There are cities that compel you to look up—New York, Tokyo, Paris, and London come to mind. Yet, some cities invite you to look out, where the vistas steal the show. Los Angeles is undoubtedly one of those looking-out cities. When you gaze upon its landscape, what stands out are the trees.
The urban forest of Los Angeles is perhaps its most underrated treasure, a compelling reason to visit. According to Bryan Vejar, the senior manager of arboricultural training and education at TreePeople, a venerable environmental nonprofit based in Southern California, “This is one of the most densely populated, diverse urban forests in the world.” Over the past 50 years, TreePeople has planted an impressive three million trees, contributing significantly to the city’s green canopy.
With nearly 500 different species of trees thriving in the greater Los Angeles area, the variety is astonishing. The trees of Los Angeles are as rich and diverse as the city itself, and a tour of them offers one of the most delightful and economical ways to experience the city’s charms.
“Every neighborhood treats their trees differently,” notes Nick Araya, a master arborist and founder of TreeCareLA, a dedicated tree management company. “In areas like Laurel Canyon, it feels as though the trees have a life of their own. In contrast, there are neighborhoods where the landscapes are much more manicured. It’s quite rare for a tree to thrive in Beverly Hills unless it fits the aesthetic.”
For instance, in Laurel Canyon, the coast live oaks intertwine gracefully with modern architecture, creating a harmonious blend where nature seems to take the lead.
In summary, Los Angeles is a city where the trees tell stories, each neighborhood presenting its own unique narrative through its greenery.
