In the aftermath of devastating fires that swept through parts of Los Angeles in early 2025, an unexpected sight emerged - numerous massive trees standing tall amidst the ruins of burned homes and structures. This surprising survival has sparked both wonder and questions about why certain trees remained while buildings crumbled.
According to Cal Fire, the recent blazes in Altadena and Pacific Palisades weren't typical wildfires spreading from plant to plant, but rather "conflagrations" - intense wind-driven fires that moved between structures. Many trees survived due to natural adaptations like thick bark, ember-shedding shapes, and higher moisture content compared to buildings.
The deodar cedars of Altadena proved particularly resilient. These majestic evergreen conifers, native to the Himalayas, weathered the storm of fist-sized embers driven by fierce Santa Ana winds. On Santa Rosa Avenue, home to Christmas Tree Lane's 135 deodars, residents watched as embers struck the trees only to fizzle out harmlessly.
Other survivors included large conifers, pines, and native oak trees. Fire safety expert Doug Kent noted that these substantial trees acted as windbreaks against the hurricane-force winds that reached over 80 mph. The trees' canopies helped stop flying embers, causing them to fall harmlessly to the ground instead of spreading the fire.
Not all trees fared equally well. Palm trees, Italian cypress, and arborvitae showed extensive damage, with many reduced to charred remnants. However, even among these species, some specimens survived unscathed mere feet from destroyed homes, highlighting how wind direction often determined survival.
Biologist and certified arborist Rebecca Latta cautions against hasty removal of singed trees, noting that many will likely recover. "Houses are concentrated fuel sources, and what we saw here is that the trees got burned by the houses next to them burning, not vice versa," she explains.
The survival of these trees offers valuable lessons for future fire preparedness. Regular deep watering to maintain moisture content and careful placement away from structures can help preserve these natural giants that have proven their worth as community landmarks and natural firebreaks.
As Los Angeles begins its recovery, these surviving trees stand as symbols of resilience and hope, reminding us of nature's remarkable ability to endure even the most challenging circumstances.