Hanoi won't be the same without its big trees

Readers sent these comments after some people were killed as typhoon Yagi uprooted thousands of trees in Hanoi, prompting opinions that giant trees should not be planted on urban sidewalks.

"Trees big or small are exactly in their right places in the city, they conserve water and reduce soil erosion, they save energy, they modify the local climate, they lower air temperature through shade, they even increase economic stability, they reduce noise pollution, they increase property values. They are living souls that humans are happy to have around them."
sanaikanakogi

"Trees of all sizes benefit the cities and make them more livable and more enjoyable while cleaning the air."
seeyouin2011

"Walk around and see how many small trees were also knocked down. Without its big trees, what is Hanoi?"
y5wkrtzykx

"These massive trees allow the leftover wildlife in this city a home. They are one thing that sets Hanoi apart from all other cities. Tourists come to this city and always comment on how beautiful these ancient trees are. Look at new developments where smaller trees were planted. In these areas so many of these new trees fell on cars and blocked lanes. Make the correct choice. Keep what nature Hanoi has left, or become Bangkok 2.0 I wonder what our air quality would be without these trees. A viable option would be the transporting of these tree to open fields and replanted around the city. But cutting these magnificent beings is a tragedy."
garthmv

"Trees anywhere add beauty and character to an area be it a forest or a city street. They do need maintenance to ensure they are safe. Trees get old and break."
Phil

"Trees were here (and stronger) long before architects with 'numbers' and modern equipment showed off and built houses. People in cities love and care for their big trees because they are a present of nature that serve as reminders of our own part of it."
pierrot2