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.

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For those without access to air conditioning, tree cover can offer critical relief. That’s where organizations like TreePeople come in. The nonprofit promotes planting native and climate-appropriate trees across the region.

Bryan Vejar, associate director of community forestry at TreePeople, says the organization focuses specifically on th

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