Windstorms earlier this winter felled thousands of mature trees across L.A. County. A new fund aims to replace them.
L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich has announced a $2.5 million grant program. Cities, public agencies and nonprofits can compete for up to $100,000 each to spend on trees.
The goal is to plant new trees on public land, in parks and open spaces and along parkways in residential neighborhoods. Urban arborists across the San Gabriel Valley region have been busy in the two months since heavy winds knocked trees down.
Environmentalists argue that trees are the lungs of the urban area, breathing in carbon dioxide and particulate smog, and breathing out oxygen. Social scientists say that trees add value to the urban economy.
The county program will accept applications through the end of May, with the goal of distributing money and getting new trees rooted next fall and winter.