Dear Editor,
Thank you for your consideration in publishing this letter. I want to express my deep concern about what seems to be the rampant and indiscriminate cutting down of trees on our island. As an avid nature enthusiast, I understand and appreciate the value that trees provide – from adding beauty and providing shade, to cleaning our air and preventing soil erosion. Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem.
However, I have noticed far too many examples lately of trees being chopped down without care or thought. Oftentimes it appears to be happening simply for the sake of opening up space or it seems just to offer a tree trimming job. The cutting seems to be done without any ecological considerations. Not only does this look unsightly, but it is detrimental to the environment. Cutting down trees indiscriminately leads to a hotter surface space, an unsightly environment, and a loss of biodiversity.
According to some global research, a single mature tree can absorb over 50 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Scaled up, this means our island’s tree cover is helping to remove harmful greenhouse gas from the atmosphere each year through natural processes. The data shows that protecting mature indigenous trees needs to be considered if we want to maintain a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations.
We must recognize that a healthy collection of indigenous trees is a maintained one. Thoughtful pruning by knowledgeable professionals can keep trees healthy while also keeping sidewalks accessible, reducing possible damage to property and minimizing safety issues. It will also beautify our island. Take for instance the relatively well-maintained short section of hedges on Pondfill Road, it looks beautiful. But the rampant, haphazard slashing down of trees serves no one's interests in the long run.
I remember with some degree of regret that a few years ago a popular supermarket on the way to Point Blanche unceremoniously chopped down a row of mature trees so that people could see the building and signage. An uncivilized culture that does not value its trees is doomed to become less sustainable over time.
I urge our government officials and citizens to take a more thoughtful approach when it comes to our trees. I implore our government officials and fellow citizens to take immediate and meaningful steps to protect our island’s tree cover. Let’s establish and enforce responsible tree management regulations that prioritize the health and longevity of our indigenous trees.
We must hire professional arborists to selectively prune trees where needed, not butcher them indiscriminately. I call on all of us who care about our island’s future to respect nature, including our magnificent trees. If we continue on our current path of unchecked tree-cutting, we will live to regret the environmental damage and loss of beauty. But if we act now to protect and properly care for our trees, we can maintain a robust, healthy collection of indigenous trees for generations to come.
Sincerely,
An observant tree enthusiast
