Mayor Agran’s Tree-Planting Project

One of Mayor Larry Agran’s favorite Chinese proverbs is: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

On July 9th, the Irvine Sustainability Commission recommended adoption of Mayor Agran’s Urban Forest Master Plan, which will result in tens of thousands of new trees being planted throughout the City to help decrease Irvine’s carbon footprint, reduce storm water runoff, increase biodiversity, address the urban heat island effect, cool the City, and clean the air.

Mayor Agran also wants to convert some blacktop and lawns at our schools into small forested areas, add even more trees to our parks to provide shade, plant trees in medians and alongside major roadways to create beautiful streetscapes, and establish a program for Homeowner Associations to request trees for pocket parks and other areas under their control.

The Sustainability Commission estimated that the environmental impact of planting the proposed 67,500 trees would be equivalent to taking 84,000 vehicles off the road for a year, and the rainwater captured and runoff avoided by planting the trees would be equivalent to filling 39,700 swimming pools.

The City will engage with local businesses and Homeowner Associations to encourage their participation in the tree-planting endeavor. The Sustainability Commission also recommended tree giveaways, rebates, and educational outreach programs in partnership with the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD).

In addition, Mayor Agran is interested in establishing a tree nursery in the Great Park, and wants to get thousands of kids (and grown-ups) involved in hands-on tree planting. To help increase community engagement, the Mayor’s office will soon begin encouraging residents to send in photos of their favorite trees in Irvine.