Explore and Welcome Ojai’s New Street trees

Street Trees have been proven to make our neighborhoods safer, cooler, more walkable and even increase property values

Those who live or walk in the Grand Avenue neighborhood of Ojai may have noticed a surprise this spring: the City of Ojai has planted over 50 new street trees in the strips—parkways—between the street and sidewalks.

Parkways are property owned and maintained by the local government. In city limits, this is the City of Ojai. Outside the city, this space is owned and maintained by the County of Ventura.

Landscaped parkways offer numerous benefits. They protect pedestrians—including the many children who walk to Topa Topa Elementary, the school north of Grand Avenue—from traffic, help collect stormwater runoff and prevent flooding, increase curb appeal for homeowners, and reduce the “heat island effect”, making our streets cooler and more comfortable. In fact, it’s suggested that street trees can even save lives by reducing the number of heat-related medical events in Southern California. Sadly, there are many cities without the resources or organization to maintain this property, and parkways can often fall into neglect. We applaud the City of Ojai for investing in this critical and often overlooked piece of our town’s infrastructure.

Now, dog walkers, school children, joggers, bicyclists, and homeowners can enjoy the shade and graceful canopy of the plethora of trees the City has added. Species include coast live oak, sycamore, and crepe myrtle. With time and care, these trees increase our urban canopy, helping cool our entire valley.

Here at Ojai Trees, we concentrate on planting trees at residences, local businesses, and schools—but there is only so much one organization can do. We salute the City of Ojai for taking this “grand” step. We hope that everyone who enjoys the new neighborhood trees will take a special interest in their wellbeing during their fragile first years in the ground. If you are inspired, please consider watering the street tree in front of your property during the warm summer months, when the tree is using the most water. You can also report any maintenance issues with the street trees to Ojai Public Works.

But the best part of the street trees is enjoying them. Take a step outside and admire this great public work. Thanks to the City of Ojai, nature is right outside our front door.

Written by Executive Director Lauren Nilsson