Readers React: Why gravelscape is a bad way to cope with drought

To the editor: I applaud Mia Lehrer, Claire Latane and Margot Jacobs for their advice about planting drought-tolerant gardens. Importantly, they correctly dismiss the idea of replacing our brown lawns with gravel or synthetic turf. (“Don’t gravelscape L.A.,” op-ed, June 13)

After 42 years in the landscape contracting business, I could not agree more. We need trees and plants to beautify our homes and promote the production of oxygen and shade. Alternatives such as synthetic turf and gravel do neither. Both of these elements produce heat and therefore damage the environment and make Los Angeles hotter, not to mention less attractive.

Today, with the Internet it is easy to look up trees and plants that are less water intensive. For that matter, it’s also a good idea to consult a professional or your local nursery for assistance.

The Times should continue to publish articles that will point our city and its inhabitants in the right direction. Our ability to remain a paradise depends on it.

Daryl Hosta, Westlake Village

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To the editor: The writers make good points about the virtue of capturing water and keeping greenery in Southern California.

What they did not mention is the fact that greenery converts carbon dioxide through photosynthesis to oxygen in the air we breathe. Global reduction of greenery affects the amount of oxygen in the world’s air.

Add more oxygen in our atmosphere to the list of benefits of keeping greenery.

Michael Y. Warder, Upland

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To the editor: We should demand that California hardware stores carry and advertise attractive rain barrels so every homeowner can save water from their gutters when it rains.

I had to purchase my barrel online from a retailer in the Midwest. You’d be surprised how much water it collects even from a small shower.

Birute Prasauskas, Lomita

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To the editor: Hopefully, the excellent op-ed article by Lehrer, Latane and Jacobs will halt the panic of tearing out and cutting down what makes L.A. beautiful. The piece suggests ways to adjust to the drought using better ways than the drastic methods being used.

May this op-ed piece have a wide readership.

Damiana Chavez, Los Angeles

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