Numerous studies demonstrate a well-developed urban canopy promotes attractive and healthy communities as well as economic vitality (source 1, 2, 3). Trees provide protection from harmful UV rays, reduce urban heat island effect, clean the air and water, and beautify streetscapes.

This video is part of a special report from KCET SOCAL Connected about tree disparities in LA neighborhoods. The benefits of trees are not shared equally throughout the City, as these areal shots display.

Local greening guru, Andy Lipkis, Founder and President of TreePeople narrates how restoring the natural hydrological cycle is the most cost-effective way to address issues of environmental sustainability here in SoCal.  You'll never want to simply repave a street again.

In this video, Jim Urban, FASLA talks about how he went from practicing general landscape architecture to specializing in trees, soils, and stormwater remediation, as well as the major influences on his career, his concerns about the profession today, and his hopes for the future: www.jamesurban.net