Focus Magazine

You are probably aware that trees are a beautiful and beneficial asset to any association, but did you know that now they are free! That’s right, free as in zip, zero, nada!

As a part of a program called Trees for a Green L.A, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will add roughly 200,000 new shade trees to L. A.’s urban forest. A key component of the program is providing trees, free of charge, to residences, which includes Community Associations, within the LADWP’s service area.

To get your free trees, here’s what you need to do:

1. SIGN UP for the informational workshop by calling 1-800-473-3652 or online at www.ladwp.com/greenla

2.ATTEND A WORKSHOP to learn proper tree selection, planting techniques and to develop a sitespecific planting plan. Workshops last about 2 hours and are held several times each month throughout the city.

3.ORDER YOUR TREES from DWP after the workshop. They will arrive within two weeks of receiving your order. Typically, single family residences can order up to 7 trees total. However for multi-family properties such as HOA’s, they may provide you with more trees if needed. There are over 40 different varieties available depending on your location. Note: fruit trees and palms are not included as the primary purpose is to bring more shade trees into the city.

4.PLANT AND MAINTAIN THE TREES per the planting instructions provided with the trees. Tree stakes and ties are also included. The trees are typically 5 gallon size and easily planted. They must be planted in the ground, not in pots.

It is also required that the association board of directors provide authorization to whomever attends the workshop and grants permission for the trees to be planted in the community association’s common area property.

Planting trees will benefit your community in a number of ways including:

• Providing natural shading which lessens air conditioning costs by up to 20%
• Reducing energy use which lowers air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
• Trapping and holding water, reducing runoff
• Increase property values by 5 to 20%
• Provide a barrier to noise, dust and debris

For more information on Trees for a Green L.A., call the program directly at (800) 473-3652.

Chuck Carr, President of Carr Landscape Management, Inc.