News | NBC 4 L.A. | August 2025

Experts recommend shade-giving trees to keep SoCal communities cool

As heat waves intensify across Southern California, experts are encouraging residents to turn to trees, specifically native and drought-tolerant species, as a cost-effective way to stay cool.

Sandy Arellano, a resident of Alhambra, said her central air has been running from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the latest heat wave. “I’m sure my electricity bill will be $500,” she said.