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Trees

When people think of Los Angeles they always picture Palm Trees. Palm Trees are an invasive species, but they are still an important part of Southern California's landscape. At KCET, we love all trees equally and have covered them extensively through the years. Learn all about the city's trees in politics, history, art, sports and even in the entertainment industry.

Trees
A pepper tree as seen through the ruins of Mission San Luis Rey in San Diego County. Courtesy of the USC Libraries - California Historical Society Collection.
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Lost LA

When Pepper Trees Shaded the 'Sunny Southland'

A sycamore tree in South Pasadena in 1886. Courtesy of the USC Libraries - California Historical Society Collection.
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Lost LA

The Sycamores of Southern California: A Brief History

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Lost LA

A Brief History of Palm Trees in Southern California

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The Drought Is Killing Our Beloved Joshua Trees
New research confirms that the historic drought is killing an iconic Southern California tree.
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After the Lawn: Planting Your New Garden
When it comes to planting trees and shrubs, consider native plants.
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Preparing for Native Plant Restoration on the L.A. River
Do we have enough native plants and seeds for the upcoming L.A. River restoration projects?
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The Trees of Chico Avenue
These photos reveals the widely varied landscape found along the approximately mile-long street in South El Monte, and situates Chico Avenue as a kind of microcosm of the city's complex character and history.
<a href="https://www.barnraiser.us/projects/building-a-bee-barn-a-sustainable-honey-bee-exchange">Napa Valley Bee Company</a> via Barnraiser
Barnraiser: A More Sustainable Crowdfunding Platform
Barnraiser is the new kid in the crowdfunding game, soft launched on Earth Day 2014.
The Persistence of Palms in Los Angeles
In 2010, I wrote about the palms in front of a building down the block that renew themselves year after year. Their persistence continues.
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Trees Are Like Children, and Children Are Like Life
Often trees go unnoticed. But sometimes they stop you in your tracks.
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Heartwood: A Tree Is Felled Into Memories
I should be grateful, I suppose, that my neighbor felled the tree in his front lawn.
This postcard manages to include three of the four tree types covered in Jared Farmer's book, 'Trees in Paradise': eucalypts, oranges, and palms. Courtesy of Jared Farmer.
How Did L.A. Become a City of Palms? And Other Questions About California's Trees
Q&A with historian Jared Farmer, author of "Trees in Paradise: A California History."
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Another Reason to Leave Ancient Trees Alone
Very old trees may remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than young ones.
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California, a Love Letter
This has been my life in California: retracing old steps with new eyes as the landscape changes underfoot.
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Why Joshua Trees Look The Way They Do
There are a few reasons Joshua trees look different from other trees.
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