Think twice before cutting down trees

StarMetro’s report on Feb 13.

I REFER to StarMetro’s front-page report, “Stumped by tree felling” on Feb 13 on residents’ unhappiness about the cutting down of trees in Section 17, Petaling Jaya.

I have been living in Taman SEA in SS23, Petaling Jaya, for 22 years.

What attracted me to settle down in this neighbourhood was the trees.

The Angsana trees lining the roads, in particular Jalan SS23/27, formed a shady canopy.

Sadly, most of these trees on Jalan SS23/27 have been cut down over the past two years.

I was informed by the local councillor that the trees were cut because they were dying, diseased or that residents had complained of falling branches.

I feel that proper trimming could have saved trees with falling branches.

Many other trees in this neighbourhood have been felled, an average of one tree a month gets the chop.

I submitted a tree planting proposal to Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) in 2021, done by a landscape architect friend, and sent it to the assemblyman and councillor too.

My friend had outlined the appropriate species and number of trees on roads where trees had been cut down, as well as open spaces where additional trees can be planted.

Six months later, after many reminders, the councillor informed me tree planting had been approved but only at Jalan SS23/27 and that the cost for the replanting was from the councillor’s own allocation and not from MBPJ.

The planted trees unfortunately do not have a canopy and likely provide a screen only to the houses on both sides.

It is nearly a year now and the trees cut on other roads have not been replanted.

Trees which are dead, diseased and posed a genuine danger or obstruction must unquestionably be felled or trimmed appropriately.

Replanting must also be carried out promptly and with appropriate trees to add to the greening of the city.

MBPJ’s vision of a green city cannot be realised only through free buses, collection of recyclables or by giving cash incentives for residents to adopt eco-friendly initiatives.

Planting and maintaining trees will be much cheaper and easier than most of the above.

A green city must include greenery which mitigate climate change, cools the city, reduces pollution and flooding, and increases biodiversity.

In addition, studies have shown trees can help promote physical and mental health.

Not many things can surpass a tree in improving the quality of life in a city.

KOO WEE HON

Petaling Jaya