Los Angeles Rethinks Tree Planting Rules to Bridge Shade Gap

A USC Dornsife study reveals Los Angeles' strict tree planting regulations exacerbate shade disparities, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, which has significantly fewer trees per square mile compared to wealthier areas like Studio City. Researchers found that relaxing tree spacing guidelines, especially near intersections and utility poles, could substantially increase tree coverage without compromising safety. The study highlights the need for policy reform and inter-departmental collaboration to ensure equitable access to green infrastructure and the ecological benefits of urban forests, advocating for strategies like 'road diets' to create more planting space. Revising outdated rules, such as the 45-foot visibility rule, is crucial for fostering healthier, more sustainable, and equitable urban spaces in the face of climate change.