Private Property Planting Program

City Plants is proud to announce the launch of the Pilot Private Property Planting Program, a new initiative offering free trees and planting support for residents in select Los Angeles neighborhoods. This program empowers residents to cool their homes, clean the air, and beautify their communities by adding trees to their yards, front yards, and backyards.

This pilot program is made possible through a vital partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to build a greener, more resilient Los Angeles, one yard at a time.

A Data-Driven Approach to Environmental Justice

Why these neighborhoods? The pilot areas were carefully selected using data from the Urban Forest Equity Collective study. This study identified communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and have historically received less investment in green infrastructure.

These communities were prioritized because they face the greatest challenges, including:

  • Critically Low Tree Canopy: Possessing some of the fewest trees in all of Los Angeles.
  • Extreme Urban Heat: Experiencing the most severe urban heat island effects, leading to higher temperatures and energy costs.
  • Poor Air Quality: Bearing a disproportionate burden of air pollution from freeways and industrial zones.
  • Legacy of Disinvestment: Facing the lasting impacts of historical redlining and underinvestment.
  • Health Disparities: Having higher risks of health problems linked to a lack of green space and exposure to pollution.

By focusing on these areas first, we are taking a direct step toward correcting these inequities and ensuring that the benefits of a healthy urban forest are shared by all Angelenos.

What the Program Provides for FREE:

  • A beautiful, climate-appropriate tree for your private property.
  • A consultation to help you choose the right tree for the right spot.
  • Professional tree planting service by one of our tree planting partners.
  • A simple guide to caring for your new tree.

Get Free Yard Trees

Do you want trees for your yard? Do you live in the Los Angeles Urban Forest Equity Prioritization Map area? Are you willing to water the trees and make sure they survive while they get established in their new home? Do you have grass or open dirt in your yard? If so, we will have one of our expert planting organizations reach out to you to start the process!

Find Out if You’re in a Priority Tree Planting Zone

Unsure how to use the Los Angeles Urban Forest Equity Prioritization Map? This quick tutorial shows you how to check if your property is in a priority zone for the Private Property Planting Program. Watch this video for a simple, step-by-step guide.

How It Works

STEP 1

Verify If Your Address Qualifies

Go to Los Angeles Urban Forest Equity Prioritization Map and search your address. If your address falls under the green, yellow, or red your address qualifies.

STEP 2

Fill Out Intake Form

If you live within the designated pilot neighborhoods, fill out the Private Property Planting Program form. One of our expert tree planting partners will contact you to initiate the consultation.

STEP 3

Planting

If you qualify and there is space for a tree, we will send an inspector and certified arborist to help you select the best location and tree species to plant in your yard, which can help cool down your house in the summer and potentially save you money on your energy bills. The inspector will coordinate with you to determine the planting date and ensure that all necessary forms are completed.

STEP 4

Enjoy & Care for Your Tree

Once your tree is planted, it will need 10-15 gallons of water once a week for the first 3-5 years while its roots get established. A little effort now will pay off big in the future!

Together, we can grow a healthier, more equitable Los Angeles.

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This Is Just the Beginning

We know many of our constituents across the city want support with planting trees—and we hear you. This program is just a pilot, and our goal is to expand it in the future to reach more neighborhoods as resources become available. Everyone deserves the benefits of urban trees, and we’re committed to growing this work citywide.

Stay tuned as we learn from this pilot and work toward a greener, healthier future for all.

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