LA's Tree Tour
Discover A Diverse Urban Forest in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world?
With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie, the creator behind the popular @TreesofLA Instagram account. A self-taught tree enthusiast, Carrie leads guided walks monthly in Echo Park and Culver City.
Weekend Sherpa joined a recent tour at Carson Park where Carrie led a group through Culver City’s oldest park, sharing insights about its history and diverse trees, including Chinese elms, rusty leaf figs, magnolias, Brazilian pepper trees and, of course, a variety of palms.
This was more than just a walk—it was a hands-on sensory experience. Participants ran their hands along textured bark, examined leaf shapes and searched the ground for seed pods and acorns to sharpen their tree-identification skills.
By the end of the tour, we walked away with newfound appreciation for the city’s natural beauty and a keen eye for trees we might have otherwise overlooked.
Fun fact: Many of LA’s palm trees, planted in the 1930s, are now nearing the end of their lifespan. Though beloved, their high water consumption and lack of shade coverage have sparked calls to replace them with more drought-tolerant and leafy species.
To join an upcoming tree tour, sign up for the mailing list on TreesofLA.com or by emailing TreesOfLaTreeTours@gmail.com.
Story by Yvonne Pasquini, @Yvonne_Pasquini
Photos by Yvonne Pasquini, and Matt Wyatt (hero photo; photo #6; photo #8).
