The Legacy of the Trees Don Lamb's Grandfather planted these trees. The avocado is having its best year ever, giving off an amazing amount of fruit. Don figures that it doesn’t want to die. Don finally sold his Christmas tree farm to the developer. Even though he sold two years ago, Don still waters all the trees. He is sure that his grandfathers’ tree, and many of the others, can be saved. If you look at the plot map, the trees are in the backyards of the planned houses. He thinks they won’t be cut down. Don’s son and grandson also live on the farm. But time is running out. A few months later: The development has begun. The property is fully graded. If the new residents want trees, they’ll have to plant them. Until then, the dirt piles keep growing, reminding me of the fault line’s end— the mud volcanoes in Imperial Valley.