Readers React: L.A.’s sidewalk problem is also a tree problem

To the editor: The decrepit state of Los Angeles’ sidewalks is all the fault of the city because of the trees it decided to have planted in each neighborhood. (“Finally, a decision to fix L.A.’s broken sidewalks,” editorial, April 2)

I am an apartment owner in North Hollywood. We have a huge ficus tree planted next to our driveway that has been there for several decades. We made a direct request to the city for us to bear the cost of removal. The city has refused.

Consequently, we will continue at intervals to keep repairing the driveway.

The city must absolutely require the removal of specific tree species with invasive roots, or the problem will recur in a few decades after the city is finished spending $1.4 billion fixing its sidewalks. The city must speak to arborists and other experts and get at the root of the problem.

Susan Glasser, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Fixing L.A.’s sidewalk will be just like painting the Golden Gate Bridge: Once the repairs are completed in 30 years, the sidewalks will have deteriorated to the point where they will again need repairing.

Toby Horn, Los Angeles

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook