Readers React: How flat sidewalks and big trees can coexist in L.A.

To the editor: I applaud your paper’s stand regarding the replanting of street trees, but I’m not sure that the simple equation of planting two trees for every tree removed when repairing a sidewalk is enough. (“L.A. should be green and replant trees after repairing sidewalks,” editorial, Nov. 16)

Quality is more important than quantity, and planting smaller, well-behaved trees in the interest of avoiding sidewalk damage will not provide the shade we need as the climate heats up. The solution is to plant trees that will eventually reach a larger size but without destroying infrastructure or creating expensive maintenance.

That can be achieved by using what is called “structural soils” developed at Cornell University by the Urban Horticulture Institute. This approach creates larger root zones and reduces soil compaction for optimum growth; it has been shown to significantly extend the lives of urban trees while reducing infrastructure damage.

Billy Goodnick, Santa Barbara

The writer is a landscape architect.

..

To the editor: Trees are indeed of great importance for all the reasons stated in the editorial. I fully understand the liability of trees vis-a-vis sidewalk upheaval. Paying millions of dollars in trip-and-fall injury claims because of sidewalks buckled by tree roots cannot continue.

So how come the streets of Santa Monica and Pasadena remain loaded with large trees, which are a hallmark of those cities? Do those cities know something about root management or other techniques that Los Angeles does not?

Maybe they would share strategies if we ask them.

Alexis Dragony, Long Beach

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook