Oak Trees in Los Angeles are special.

Pre-historic Californian cultures used them as a source of shelter, food and spiritual inspiration. Sadly, many trees were cut down over the last three hundred years. The trees produce strong wood that sometimes grows at sporadic right angles. Pre 20th century sailors preferred the naturally strong wooden angles that grew on these trees, as these shapes provided excellent boat repair material. Later on, when Los Angeles was taken by the United States, most ancient native Oak and Redwoods were cut down to provide lumber for the growing new American city. There are a few sentry individuals left, standing as a reminder of what used to exist. The Oak pictured below has been seen in television and many print photos. If you're in the city, you can see this tree on top of the mountain, standing alone and proud.