Question
Dear Marc,

I live in Los Angeles.  I own a small Spanish house that was built in the 20's.  It faces West.  I have some gargantuan yucca trees in the front yard that I would like to remove.  Everybody tells me I should put some palm trees in but they look like sticks to me.  I also think it's important to have some shade because summers are hot.  The front yard isn't big, maybe thirty five feet from house to the street.  There is a dying lawn that I will one day replace with something more interesting and drought resistant.  The question is -- what would be a good choice for replacing the yucca's?  I like the look of weeping trees (like a willow) but I'm not sure that goes with a Spanish house.   I have a pepper tree in the back, which is the right idea but it's too big for the front and it's messy.  But maybe it will give you a hint.  Thank you for taking the time to think about this.  

Best,

Paul Myers  

Answer
I think you have the right idea.  Why keep marginal Yuccas in such a beautiful climate.  Actually, if I lived in LA again (I was there for about 21 years), I wouldn't be so quick to write off some of the more graceful palms.  A nice Queen or King Palm might fit the space. (Check out an image of them on Google.com).  Spanish style and graceful palms are a California original...expect they're also from Spain!! (Seville is known for them)

If you'd like some ideas about "weeping" forms, there are some lovely choices - Weeping Cherry, Pussy Willow, Crabapple, Birch, or even evergreens like Cedar.   If shade in the Summer is the purpose, then the Birches whould probably be the safest bet.

All of these would be less messy than the Pepper Tree or Willow.  Willows also tend to get big trunks and look ugly when they are mature (50yrs+).

Enjoy.