The USC Urban Trees Initiative (USC Trees) brings together faculty, staff, and student researchers to help the City of Los Angeles and local nonprofits grow an equitable and resilient urban forest. 

Since August 2020, USC experts in spatial mapping, landscape architecture, and air quality monitoring have been working with the City and local communities to answer challenging questions about where, how many, and what kinds of new trees to plant in heat vulnerable areas of East and South L.A.

USC Trees has generated new tree planting designs based on rigorous data analysis and community input (see figure below). The team is now looking for funding to turn these designs into action. We need your help! 

Donate here to support a greener, more equitable, and more climate resilient L.A. Your donation will contribute to planting and caring for trees and creating meaningful change for residents of Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Lincoln Heights, Ramona Gardens, University Park, and City Terrace. 

• $25 will help cover the purchase of materials and supplies to care for 1 tree 

• $50 will help cover 1 month of care for 1 tree 

• $100 will help cover 2 months of care for 1 tree

• $250 will help cover 6 months of care for 1 tree 

• $650 will help cover 1 year of care for 1 tree 

• $2,000 will help cover 3 years of care for 1 tree 

• $10,000 will help cover 3 years of care for 5 trees 

Why it Matters

Funding for tree care (watering and maintenance) is often not provided by cities or other public services which only cover the costs of purchasing and planting new trees. This funding gap often leaves young trees at risk of dying before maturity! Tree care and maintenance funding supports the hundreds of trees that are planted yearly throughout L.A. neighborhoods that need them the most. USC Trees is aiming to provide this much needed funding with generous donations from people like you! 

More information about the team and science behind the USC Urban Trees Initiative can be found on our website here.