Recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant damage to urban trees, leaving experts to grapple with the challenges of rebuilding and reforesting in the face of climate change. Powerful Santa Ana winds toppled large trees, scorched canopies, and destroyed young trees, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods. The fires highlight the need for climate-resilient urban forestry practices, prompting calls for replacing non-native species with native trees that can withstand extreme heat and drought.
Tree advocates have confronted increasing drought, bad trimming and objections from neighbors who resent leaves and sap.The tree advocates have confronted increasing drought, bad trimming and objections from neighbors who resent leaves and sap. Now they wonder what this month’s devastating fires have done to their efforts.
When it’s safe, urban tree experts will go out to inspect, re-stake and retie trees toppled by winds, and remove and replace those that were lost. Trees such as the coast live oak are a good option, said Aaron Thomas, director of urban forestry at the environmental nonprofit North East Trees. They are native to the region and are fire resilient — in fact, they need to burn to reproduce, he said.Thomas, who grew up in Altadena, has family members who lost homes to the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, which has burned more than 7,000 structures. His brother’s home burned, but the five coast live oaks in his backyard survived.
Natural Disasters URBAN FORESTRY WILDFIRES CLIMATE CHANGE TREE LOSS RESILIENCE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California Wildfires Devastate Southern California, Claiming Lives and HomesMultiple wildfires fueled by strong winds and dry conditions continue to rage across Southern California, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the blazes, is burning near Los Angeles, forcing evacuations and threatening communities. Other fires, including the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire, have also caused destruction. The fires have claimed at least 11 lives, and thousands of people have been displaced. Firefighters are battling the blazes, aided by federal and state resources. Donations are pouring in to support those affected by the fires.
Read more »
Singer-Songwriter Shares Story of Resilience After California Wildfires Devastate HomeSinger-Songwriter Recounts Personal Experience of Loss and Resilience After California Wildfires
Read more »
California Wildfires Devastate Community, Navy Veteran's Home Reduced to AshesSara Trepanier, a Navy veteran and emergency room doctor, lost her home and community in the California wildfires. She and her daughter evacuated their home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, as the fire rapidly spread. The wildfires destroyed many homes and businesses in the area, leaving only two homes on Trepanier's block standing.
Read more »
California Wildfires Devastate Local BusinessesThe Eaton Fire has destroyed several businesses in Altadena and Topanga Beach, leaving owners scrambling to rebuild and find new ways to support their employees.
Read more »
California Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles, Bay Area Residents Offer AidThe Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn in Los Angeles, destroying over 10,000 structures and displacing thousands. Amidst concerns of new wildfires, residents in the Bay Area are finding ways to help those impacted by the blazes. Numerous organizations and fundraisers are accepting donations to provide immediate relief, long-term support, and resources for rebuilding.
Read more »
Wildfires Devastate Southern California Educational HubsThe recent wildfires in Southern California have had a devastating impact on natural areas that served as educational hubs for schools and families. Parents and educators are mourning the loss of these important spaces, which provided valuable learning opportunities and refuge from the pandemic.
Read more »