Tree Defenders Rally to Preserve and Protect Pasadena’s Urban Canopy

Tree preservation advocates plan to gather Saturday at McDonald Park to rally around a Coast Live Oak that was previously slated for removal, drawing attention to what they describe as alarming tree loss throughout the city.

The “Root Alarm” rally, organized by Pasadena Tree Preservation, will take place at 10:30 a.m. on March 1 at the Park, located at 1000 Mountain Street.

Organizers say the event aims to celebrate the city’s arboreal heritage while pushing for stronger tree protection measures.

“There’s a monthly tree removal list that contains 35-50 trees each month. The threats to our urban canopy are continuous. Over half of those removed each month are native or mature trees,” said Jessica Richards, rally organizer.

City officials pointed out Pasadena replaces many of these tress with new plantings.

“Over the years from 2014 to 2024, the City planted 1,391 more trees than were removed in the public right-of-way,” said Michael King, Staff Representative of the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee.

But activists point out the young trees do not offer the same environmental benefits. They advocate greater efforts to preserve mature, established trees.

“Mature trees offer a plethora of benefits from shade to soil stabilization and cooling, air filtration and carbon absorption. Native trees are uniquely suited to our climate and require less watering and contribute in unique ways to the local ecosystem,” Richards said.

Pasadena Councilmember Rick Cole has pointed out the economic benefits of maintaining robust tree coverage across the metropolitan area, particularly regarding energy consumption and livability.

“A healthy tree canopy can reduce temps inside homes by 10 or more degrees,” he said. “What we spend to expand our urban forest we will make back in lower utility bills and a livable city.”

Saturday’s rally centers on a Coast Live Oak in McDonald Park that was previously scheduled for removal. Activists said multiple independent arborists have determined the tree is “not an imminent risk of failure” and is “actually quite healthy.”

According to Councilmember Rick Cole, the City has long overwatered that area of the park which led to the tree’s growth and leaning. Cole said the City considered removing the tree late last year, but several arborists, including one hired by the City, concluded the tree was healthy.

Barricades around the tree have since been removed.

The tree’s future remains uncertain, pending an upcoming Urban Forestry Advisory Committee meeting.

Cole is scheduled to speak at Saturday’s event and reportedly share news about increased city funding for tree planting next year, according to organizers.

The event will also feature performances by the All Saints Episcopal Church Drum Circle, a tree naming contest, and educational components focused on proper tree care.

The rally will include educational elements about common tree-damaging practices to avoid, such as placing rocks around tree bases and allowing sprinklers to spray directly on tree trunks.

“While we have a tree preservation ordinance, the words are only as meaningful as the actions behind them,” Richards said.

Organizers hope the rally will encourage residents to become more involved in tree preservation efforts through local governance. The advocacy group aims to collaborate with city officials to update the tree protection ordinance.

“We want to empower residents to speak up and attend city meetings to advocate for the preservation of our trees,” Richards said.

The City’s Municipal Code establishes strict processes and guidelines to help protect the City’s forest. It attempts to ensure that trees are not removed without justified reasons and only as a last resort when considering public safety.

“The City values its urban forest of over 60,000 trees, annually receiving a Tree City USA designation since 1988. The City’s primary focus is to sustain a safe, healthy forest for members of the community to enjoy,” according to the statement. “The City of Pasadena prides itself on being a compassionate caregiver of trees that enhance the City’s beauty, provide environmental benefits, and enhance public health, and will continue to take utmost care of our trees while protecting the safety of the public.”

The rally is part of the preservationist group’s longer-term strategy focused on policy reform, community education, and maintaining pressure on city officials to strengthen implementation of tree protection measures, according to organizers.

“Our tree advocacy group aims to collaborate with the City to update the tree protection ordinance to ensure the majority of trees removed are not protected trees,” Richards added.

Local residents, some of whom erroneously claimed the tree was more than 100 years old, rallied in support of the tree last year.

Supporters draped a sign on the tree that reads, “I gave over a century of shade. What will you do to protect me?”