South LA Tree Coalition co-authored this Building Urban Resilience with Just Trees: Addressing Community Interests Within Urban Forestry Planning in South Los Angeles article, published in the Journal of the American Planning Association.
Abstract:
Advancing resilience through urban forestry is crucial in planning, especially in tree-deficient areas like South Los Angeles (South LA), where discriminatory policies have fueled environmental injustices. While efforts to increase tree canopy coverage persist, little research has examined these initiatives in the context of vulnerable communities’ broader needs. A qualitative case study involving semistructured interviews with community leaders in South LA highlighted challenges in maintaining and engaging with the tree canopy, revealing that past initiatives often symbolized resource competition and green gentrification. Nevertheless, residents expressed a desire for well-maintained, culturally responsive trees. Findings emphasize the need for inclusive tree planning approaches that address the legacies of environmental injustices, advocating for equitable distribution and community engagement throughout the planning process.
Download PDF [2MB]: Building Urban Resilience with Just Trees-021126
Article available online to academic institutions and American Planning Association members:
https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2025.2604127