Tree Canopy Coverage

This indicator provides information about the percentage of land with tree canopy coverage, weighted by population size. Trees are essential for mitigating the effects of climate change, including extreme heat waves, because they provide shade and cooling to surrounding areas. Trees also provide mental and physical health benefits to residents living in the communities. Communities in which a large proportion of trees or natural land have been replaced by pavement and buildings are especially vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, in which heat becomes trapped and leads to warmer temperatures relative to other surrounding areas that have retained trees or natural land. In Los Angeles County, low-income communities are more likely to experience the urban heat island effect and are consequently at higher risk for negative outcomes associated with excess heat, including air pollution and heat-related illnesses. Increasing tree canopy coverage in areas with low tree density is one strategy that cities and communities can implement to mitigate the urban heat island effect and promote local climate resiliency. For more information about the Community Health Profiles Data Initiative, please see the initiative homepage.