Planting trees

The Benefits of Trees for Students

Trees offer numerous health benefits for students. They provide essential shade, naturally cool the surrounding air, improve air quality, and help capture and retain rainwater.

  • Trees capture water

    Areas with trees, plants, and grass function like natural sponges, allowing water to soak into the ground. These plants filter out pollutants from the water and help replenish our groundwater supplies, which provide one-third of the drinking water in Los Angeles County.

  • Asphalt does not capture water

    Paved surfaces inhibit water from seeping into the ground. As water flows over sidewalks and streets, it collects trash and other pollutants, which ultimately enter the ocean through the storm drain system.

  • Trees cool the air

    Water moves from the roots, through the plant, and is released through the leaves, cooling the plant and adding moisture to the air. With enough trees and plants, this process can lower air temperatures by up to 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Trees create habitat

    Trees provide food and habitat for local and migrating birds, as well as pollinators, fostering mutually beneficial relationships. As animals and plants decompose, they enrich the soil, improving its ability to absorb and retain water.

Typical school vs. Greened School

  • Before

    Before the improvements that the nonprofit TreePeople implemented, the schoolyard was hot, unwelcoming, and lacked learning opportunities.

  • After

    After the improvement, the trees and natural materials enhance environmental benefits, create opportunities for outdoor learning, and expose children to nature.

LAUSD approved native tree list

Here are the 25 approved native trees on LAUSD’s plant list. Please consider planting native trees in your schoolyard, as these plants provide food and habitat to beneficial insects and birds. This reciprocal relationship between plants and animals means healthier soil, better water retention, healthier trees, and cleaner air.

White Alder
Incense Cedar
Western or Net-Leaf Hackberry
Western Redbud
Desert Willow
Chitalpa
Foothill Ash
Coast Silk tassel
Toyon
Southern
California Black Walnut
Catalina Ironwood
Santa Cruz Island Ironwood
Pinyon Pine
Single Leaf
Pinyon Pine
Torrey Pine
Western or California Sycamore
Catalina Cherry
Coast Live Oak
Canyon Live Oak
Blue Oak
Leather Oak
Engelmann Oak
Valley Oak
Island Oak
Interior live Oak
California Bay Laurel

Please look on Calscape for more information about each tree