Why Palm Trees In La Might Soon Disappear For Good Only In Your State

It’s hard to visualize the city of Los Angeles without any palm trees. And yet, this might soon become a reality in the not-too-distant future. Over the next five years, officials believe a significant amount of these trees will disappear and replacing them could take nearly half a century.

While the palm tree has become an iconic part of the Los Angeles landscape, these trees aren’t actually native to California.

Matthew Dillon/flickr Palm trees were imported from all over the world to intrigue travelers as they moved westward into the newly developing city. The Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s saw a resurgence of these trees. It’s estimated that the forestry division planted nearly 25,000 trees throughout the area.

Recently, however, these trees have faced hardships from an infestation of the South American palm weevil and Fusamrium fungus. The effect has been a severe decrease in the tree population.

anokarina/flickr While re-planting seems like the natural solution, the cost of palm trees has skyrocketed and officials have a new plan in the works.

Instead of palm trees, native trees may soon mark the L.A. landscape. And the benefits are promising. In addition to providing natural shade from the sun, these trees may also help combat smog.

David Papworth/flickr

The transition from palm trees to native trees won’t be immediate, but residents will notice a remarkable difference in the landscape over the next few decades.

Duncan Rawlinson/flickr

What are your thoughts on the disappearance of palm trees in Los Angeles? Can you imagine the city without them? Be sure to share with us!

Matthew Dillon/flickr

Palm trees were imported from all over the world to intrigue travelers as they moved westward into the newly developing city. The Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s saw a resurgence of these trees. It’s estimated that the forestry division planted nearly 25,000 trees throughout the area.

anokarina/flickr

While re-planting seems like the natural solution, the cost of palm trees has skyrocketed and officials have a new plan in the works.

David Papworth/flickr

Duncan Rawlinson/flickr

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