More on Our Native Trees

I love looking at all the old beautiful trees in Southern California, but can also empathize with those who have to live with them (“Here Today. Gone Tomorrow?” by George Haas, May 13). We have a 50-year-old jacaranda and three Mexican fan palms. The jacaranda blossoms that fall on the driveway and lawn and get tracked into the house are a real pain, but we cope with the mess because of the beauty of the tree.

The palms, since reaching maturity, have spread their offspring over our yard and those of our neighbors, and the seedlings are coming up like grass all over the place. The 60-foot trees are expensive to maintain and to have removed. If we’d known in 1960 what we know now, we’d never have planted those adorable little trees!

Bobbi Mehegan

West Hills

Southern California native conifers should be added to the list of L.A.’s urban trees since they are extremely water-smart and would thrive in our city. Some examples of these majestic trees could include ponderosa pines, bigcone Douglas-firs and incense cedars. I suggest planting a native Southern California conifer in your yard for each member of your family.

Reese Halter

Los Angeles