The Meaning of Trees: California's Oaks and Their Protection

Coast Live Oaks in L.A.

Trees. I have a thing for trees. The chestnuts in Central Europe and the fir trees of the Alps are among my favorites as are the oaks in California. No matter which kind, there is something about trees that makes me feel grounded, something that connects me to a before and to an after; trees signify dignity, endurance, patience; they stand for adaptability and integrity at the same time, for a balance between the two.

In the urban sprawl of L.A. trees sometimes have a hard time. The native oak trees are no exception which is why the County of L.A. chose to cover all oak species by the oak tree ordinance. With it oaks are recognized as "significant historical, aesthetic, and ecological resources" and as a unique but threatened plant heritage. The ordinance states that "a person shall not cut, destroy, remove, relocate, inflict damage, or encroach into the protected zone of any tree of the oak tree genus without first obtaining a permit".

Comments

debi said…

Christina,

I agree with you about trees.

I have massive trees in my yard; they provide cool shade during hot afternoons, they are a haven for many varieties of birds and they make my yard beautiful.

And they're fun to climb.

On each of my kid's first birthdays, we planted trees (they were mere twigs at the time). Russell and Rachel still claim their trees that now each top thirty feet in height.

Though my kids moved on years ago, their trees are still here keeping me company fulfilling their "historical significance".

June 2, 2011 at 4:36 PM

Reese said…

Christina - I love what you shared about trees. Endurance, adaptability and integrity.. indeed, trees are the gifts of God.

In Penang, they are always the first to go whenever there is new development. My heart aches whenever I spot a missing tree...I wish we have the ordinance to protect the trees.

Debi - wow! What a special tradition you have for the family.

June 16, 2011 at 7:52 PM

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