Media posts and photos uploaded to Reddit and Instagram, Los Angeles’ fragile city canopy was hit dangerously this weekend, when magical wielding chainsaws cut down many shadow trees on South Avenue and other parts of downtown.
The Los Angeles Police Department told the Times it had no information about tree damage and did not get emails and phone calls to the Urban Forestry Division on Sunday.
Social media images show many trees cut off at the base, while others cut a few feet above the sidewalk. Only one bark or wood line will connect some of the cut trees to their trunks.
According to Reddit user Tiptapmywipwap, every tree between First Street and Wilshire Avenue has been cut down. However, comments on the photos show that there are still some standing.
Photos from Instagram show the intersection of Olympic Avenue and Hope Street, Olympic Avenue and Figueroa Street, as well as Broadway and Cesar Chavez Street.
After being cut down on the weekend, lying on the sidewalk in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday.
(Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times)
Many trees appear to be a drought species known as Indian laurel figs, or FICUS Microcarpa.
Trees offer countless benefits to urban areas. They capture stormwater runoff, replenish groundwater and slow down street deterioration. They also clean the air and help cool areas that are increasingly hotter due to global climate change and the built environment. A study by the UCLA Luskin Center found that shadows can reduce thermal stress in the body by 25% to 30% throughout the day.
Social media users condemned the culprit, with some pointing out that the cuts were done before Earth Day.
User @janky-ciborium-138 said: “Well, most people are on the day of Earth Day celebrations, and ecological terrorism seems to be intentional.”
Others wonder if this is a big conspiracy for those who want trees to fall but don't want to pass through the traditional Chinese tape festival of urban bureaucracy.
@reffect_collar4336 said: “Someone needs to remove these trees – some city employees or private developers – think it's much easier than getting a real license.”
There are many trees cut off on the base and others cut a few feet above the sidewalk.
(Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times)
Many point out that security cameras are everywhere, so video evidence should be available for review by researchers.
