The city of Los Angeles is about to lose one of it’s most recognizable landmarks: the palm tree.
Although not native to the city, the tall trees have come to symbolize Los Angeles as strongly as the Hollywood Sign. Unfortunately, the trees–many of which are over 100 years old–are suffering from a fungal disease. As they die off, city officials have elected to replace them with more practical trees–mainly, those which provide more shade.
As much as I will miss these iconic trees, I will certainly welcome the shade their replacements will bring to my hometown.
A tip of the hat to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who plans to plant 1 million new trees within the city during his term.