More Trees

I agree with the letter on “Planting Trees” by Paul Whitmore (Nov. 16).

I’ve lived in Los Angeles all my life. I cringe when I see magnificent old eucalyptus and oak trees hewn down--especially for a parking lot! Why can’t parking lots be established around these wonderful natural specimens?

I noticed MacArthur Park the other day. Where are the trees? It’s so barren now--only a few trees!

Every year, on Arbor Day, I make it a point to plant a tree in my garden. Last year, I saw a flowering crab-apple tree (with bright red fruit) in Missouri. When I returned to Los Angeles I ordered and planted one in my garden. It’s growing slowly, and so lonely.

Years ago my husband brought three palm trees from a nursery around Indio. They were four feet high. Now, they tower over my garden to about 150 feet. They’re magnificent!

Herb trees have beneficial properties. My California bay is 30 feet high (I’ve had it years). I use the leaves for cooking, decoration, and potpourri .

Trees are so valuable. The oils like eucalyptus and witch-hazel have soothing effects.

I do hope these out-of-work people (so rampant now in Los Angeles) can dig holes and plant suitable trees, more along paved streets. In Beverly Hills, trees are embedded in between concrete pavements. Also, I notice more areas in Los Angeles are tree-planting along paved streets.

LOIS ARENZ BERND

Los Angeles