A beetle and a fungus are killing off L.A.'s iconic palm trees


The landscape of Los Angeles is about to change, officials say, with palm trees disappearing and being replaced by other species that provide more shade and need less water.
In 1990, the city estimated that more than 75,000 palm trees lined the streets, the Los Angeles Times reports, and that number hasn't been updated since. Officials believe over the next few decades, palms will start dying in droves, due to a beetle called the South American palm weevil and the Fusarium fungus, and other palms that escape the wrath of the bug and fungus will die of old age.
Instead of replacing those palms with the same type of species, city officials will shift their focus to trees that offer more shade. The only species native to the state is the Washingtonia filifera, the California fan palm, and it's believed that in the 18th century, Franciscan missionaries planted the first decorative palms in Los Angeles. "Palms are decorative and iconic, but Los Angeles is facing more and more heatwaves, so it's important that we plant trees that provide adequate shade to protect people and cool the city down," Elizabeth Skrzat, program director of the city's tree planting department, told The Guardian.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
5 costly cartoons about Liberation Day tariffs
Cartoons Artists take on the auto industry, 401(k) plans, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Whipped ricotta and asparagus bruschetta recipe
The Week Recommends This creamy irresistible dish is springtime on toast
By The Week UK Published
-
The Sentebale row: a blow for Prince Harry
Talking Point Duke of Sussex made 'devastating' decision to stand down as Aids charity's patron, following 'power struggle' between its trustees and new chair
By The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published