Some Benefits of Trees

1. Trees reduce air temperature by blocking sunlight.
2. Deciduous trees block sunlight in the summer, but allow sunlight in the winter.
3. Trees shade hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, patios, and outer walls, thus keeping homes cooler.
4. Trees absorb and block noise and reduce glare.
5. Trees help settle and trap dust, pollen, and smoke from the air.
6. Trees create an ecosystem to provide habitat and food for birds and other animals.
7. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for four people.
8. Trees help reduce surface water runoff, thus reducing erosion and stabilizing soil.
9. Trees have been reported as having a positive and peaceful effect on people and create a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
10. Trees can create lasting impressions on how a community is perceived by visitors and affect the mood and community pride of its residents.

Vernon’s Tree Canopy

Community Wellness

Overview

The City of Vernon (Vernon) is one of 88 cities in Los Angeles County, California.  Vernon has the smallest tree canopy coverage percentage in Los Angeles County, less than 2%.

 

Tree Canopy Assessment

In 2021, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments received a grant from the California Resilience Challenge to “develop local-level urban tree canopy assessment along with community engagement and prioritization component in four cities”. Vernon was one of the four participating cities. 

 

 

The assessment/engagement study was conducted by the Tree People and Loyola Marymount University Center for Urban Resilience.  The final report was published in September 2022 and it provides Vernon with a detailed plan to capture the health and environmental benefits of a healthy tree canopy…the right tree in the right place.  The report is a must read to fully assess the urgent tree canopy needs of the Vernon community.

(9/1/2022 - This tree species is now extinct in Vernon.  Tree Genus: Barricadus-Graffitus Common) 

Current Canopy Projects

Concurrent with and immediately following the final tree canopy assessment, Vernon’s Public Works Department embarked on a tree canopy mission.  First, maintain the existing inventory of trees.  Second, implement an annual fall planting strategy to utilize existing empty tree basins.  Third, design stormwater tree basins and maximize stormwater grants.  Fourth, encourage all new development to plant more trees. Fifth, apply for and seek for all available forms of funding.

In 2022, Vernon set a goal of planting 125 new trees and 166 trees were planted.  In 2023, the target was 250 trees and 280 trees were planted. Now, in 2024, the goal is 500 new trees and in 2025 the goal is 1,000 new trees.

(5/24/2023 Construction of 100 stormwater tree basins on Soto Ave.)

Ultimately, Vernon strives to reach an urban tree canopy of approximately 15%.  One tree at a time...the right tree in the right place.  This is a consistent effort that involves all members of the Vernon community, both public and private.

(12/7/2023 Vernon Elementary students learn about the carbon and water cycle and how stormwater tree basins work.)

Join Us - Get Involved

Below are links to information regarding the City’s urban tree canopy program.  Be sure to click on the Adopt-A-Tree link below.

City Tree Plan and Standards
2022 Tree People Report
Adopt-A-Tree Program 
Tree Trimming Contractors

(8/28/2023 - Planted in May 2023, full display in August 2023.)