Melrose Arts District
Maintain-A-Tree Program

Welcome to the ETF Portfolio Challenge

Beautifying the Melrose Arts District from the inside out

Program Overview

In 2015, the Melrose BID & CD5 applied for an MTA grant to enhance pedestrian safety and comfort in the first and last mile of public transit routes.

An MTA grant was received for administration through StreetsLA, providing much needed improvements to the pedestrian and transit spaces on Melrose Ave. between Highland and Fairfax. The awarded grant included funding for lighting and access improvements at bus stops, sidewalk widening, and shade trees.

As part of the MTA Grant, more than a hundred (100) new shade trees were planted in June, 2023. The types of trees that were planted included Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus), and London Plane Tree (a hybrid of Platanus orientalis –oriental plane—and Platanus occidentalis – American sycamore).

The Benefits of Trees

Part of the MTA Grant was allocated to planting shade trees along the Melrose Avenue business corridor. Much of that stretch had few to no trees at all. Planting trees provides many benefits:

BEAUTIFICATION

Planting new trees beautifies Melrose Ave. by adding vibrant foliage, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, and providing a refreshing green canopy, thereby encouraging increased visitation and shopping.

ENHANCED NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONSHIPS

Planting the new trees on Melrose enhances relationships with neighbors by creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment, fostering a sense of community, and providing a pleasant shared space.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

Trees provide shade, reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering temperatures in cities.

AIR PURIFICATION

Trees absorb harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving the air quality in urban areas.

MENTAL WELL-BEING

The presence of trees in urban environments has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Tree canopies intercept rainwater, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding in urban areas.

Trees on Melrose

As part of the MTA Grant, more than a hundred (100) new shade trees were planted in June, 2023. The types of trees that were planted included Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus), and London Plane Tree (a hybrid of Platanus orientalis –oriental plane—and Platanus occidentalis – American sycamore).

Maintaining the Trees

Now, those trees need to be maintained and the Melrose Business Improvement Association needs help raising funds to ensure that the trees are watered, mulched, pruned and otherwise cared for professionally.

It is estimated that it will cost around $300/year to maintain each new tree on Melrose Avenue. The BID is not budgeted for these expenses and is seeking help from the community to ensure each tree survives and thrives.