Trees

LA Sanitation & Environment’s Tree Planting Program is dedicated to planting street trees in neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles that lack tree cover (low canopy neighborhoods). Planting trees helps create more sustainable, vibrant communities by providing shade, contributing to cleaner air, and beautifying streets. To accomplish this work, LASAN seeks grant funding, the majority of which comes from the State of California. LASAN also partners with other City departments and local non-profits to increase the urban canopy throughout the City of Los Angeles.

Tree planting contributes to LA's diverse ecosystem and biodiversity. Learn more on our Biodiversity page.

BENEFITS OF PLANTING TREES

TREES:

Cool homes/buildings and limit the need for energy-intensive air conditioning
Lower street temperatures
Improve air quality by removing harmful pollutants like ozone (O₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
Create healthier, more livable communities
Encourage walking/bicycling by creating shady streets
Capture polluted stormwater

GRANTS

LASAN has been awarded a number of grants to plant street trees across the City of Los Angeles. The most recent was a grant awarded by the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program for the tree planting project ‘BeLeaf in Equity.' The grant money will be used to plant trees, create new tree wells, provide years of tree watering and maintenance, and conduct outreach activities in disadvantaged communities throughout Los Angeles.

Millions of dollars in grants have been awarded to LASAN over the years, all with a common goal: to increase the number of street trees in low-canopy neighborhoods within the City. To date, thousands of trees have been planted throughout the City and with continued effort, close collaboration with planting partners, and community enthusiasm, the Tree Team looks forward to expanding the City’s urban forest!

EVENTS

The Tree Planting Team (Tree Team) helps build communities from the ground up! The Tree Team educates and encourages community participation by hosting public outreach programs and events, which welcome community members to learn about, get active, and engage in planting trees. These programs and events are free and open to all. Trees are an essential part of LA’s urban environment, and a key mission of the Tree Team is building community awareness of the critical role trees play in our urban environment.

The Tree Team is dedicated to fostering green spaces and sustainable living. Through a series of engaging programs and events focused on tree planting, these initiatives not only beautify our city but also empower residents to actively participate in the preservation of nature. From educational workshops to hands-on planting events, community members have the opportunity to make a tangible difference by nurturing the very roots of their communities. Join us in our mission to cultivate a greener, more vibrant Los Angeles for generations to come!

Trees - Community Members carrying Shovel

ARBOR DAY LA

Come join the LASAN Tree Planting Team, planting partners, and community members at LA’s annual Arbor Day celebration event! All are welcome to this fun-filled event focused on celebrating the many attributes trees bring to our urban environment. This vibrant gathering unites our diverse community in a shared mission of environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Together, we plant hundreds of trees, each one a testament to our commitment to combat climate change and enhance the beauty of our City.

But Arbor Day isn't just about planting trees—it's a celebration of climate and community action! As you lend a hand in greening our urban landscape, we encourage you to enjoy free food, groove to the rhythm of live music, and take home a free tree to nurture in your own backyard. Join us as we come together as a community to make a tangible difference by cultivating a greener, healthier, and climate resilient Los Angeles.

Trees - Community Members carrying Trees

PARTNERS

LASAN has many valuable partners, and we all work together to plant and care for Los Angeles’ urban canopy. Grant projects would not be possible without the help and support of our partners.

The Tree Team has planted thousands of new street trees throughout Los Angeles, thanks to our unique and powerful collaborations with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), City Plants, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Koreatown Youth and Community Center, North East Trees, StreetsLA, California Natural Resources Agency, Hollywood Beautification Team, California Climate Investments, and more!

TREE CONCERNS

For other City tree services including tree removal, pruning, stump removal, permits, or sidewalk concerns, please contact the Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division by calling 1-800-996-2489.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, you can reach LASAN’s tree team at san.trees@lacity.org or 213-485-3954.

Downloads

Healthy soils grow healthy trees