Group Gives a Pitch for School Trees

An urban forestry group that has planted tens of thousands of trees across the Southland asked last week to join the Los Angeles Unified School District’s massive bond-financed repair program by incorporating cooling, oxygen-producing trees into nearly every school.

Andy Lipkis, founder and president of TreePeople, said smart planting that shaded playgrounds, buildings and air-conditioning units would lower energy costs, reduce exposure to ultraviolet light and engage students in improving their campuses.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to create greener, safer, softer campuses where kids want to be,” Lipkis said.

Lipkis made the proposal to a committee that reviews spending of the $2.4-billion Proposition BB bond measure.

Members of the committee asked Lipkis to present a detailed plan and budget at their next meeting.

Lipkis told the committee that the planting could be paid for with private donations and government funds.