New Trees Planted Near Rose Bowl Raise Concerns Over Timing and Spacing

Trees planted too close together, a potential problem as the species in question grow quite large at maturity (Photo – Wesley Reutmiann)

After more than two years of persistent advocacy by local residents, native trees have finally been planted around Lot H of the Rose Bowl Stadium, including California Sycamores, Coast Live Oaks, and Engelmann Oaks.

By News Desk

While the addition marks a step forward for urban forestry in the Central Arroyo, concerns remain about the timing and execution of the planting.

Tree advocates say this week’s planting comes at one of the worst possible times of the year, the beginning of Southern California’s hottest and driest months, raising fears about the survival of the young trees. Compounding the issue, some of the trees appear to have been planted too close together, a potential problem as the species in question grow quite large at maturity.

“It’s frustrating,” shared Pilar Reynaldo. “We urged the City to wait until late fall or winter to plant, when the trees would have a much better chance of establishing roots without extreme heat stress. California natives are ideally planted November through March.”

The City also opted to plant expensive boxed trees, rather than smaller 15-gallon specimens that could have been planted more easily, and grown to comparable size within five years. The lower unit cost would have also permitted the planting of additional trees for the same price.

Despite the challenges, locals are heartened that after a decade of tree loss in one of the most popular recreational spaces in the City, trees are finally being replanted around the Lot H Walking Loop. The area is heavily used for athletic and community events, and residents stress the importance of a healthy urban forest to balance the surrounding sea of asphalt parking lots, which contribute to the heat island effect in the Central Arroyo.

“This isn’t just about aesthetics,” noted Pasadena resident Wes Reutimann, “it’s about realizing safer, more comfortable and climate-resilient public spaces.”

Boxed trees getting planted (Photo – Wesley Reutimann)