Letter To The Editor - Landscaping

Dear Editor,

After the bashing Management received regarding the pruning and felling of trees in Tiara, I would like to offer my views on rejuvenating our flora .

By pruning the mature trees on our grounds Management hoped to ensure a safer environment. Trimming would minimize broken branches falling on residents or property, especially during storms or strong winds. Lopping off branches or leaves would also give a clearer and cleaner undergrowth, providing little chance for mosquitoes to breed, besides enabling better lighting at night.

On the recommendation of the pest control specialists, the chopping down of trees infected with termites was undertaken periodically on selected trees. These felled trees may look deceptively fine outwardly but the specialists assured us that their root system had been badly eaten by the termites. While some residents have suggested treating the soil around existing trees by pumping chemicals into the surrounding area, the problem may return later, resulting in more chemicals having to be put in. By being benevolent to an infected tree other healthy trees or properties might be affected. Thus, swift decisions needed to be taken from time to time to remove the diseased trees.

However,in view of the recent hullabaloo which ensued when Management embarked on a tree pruning and felling exercise, I would like to suggest that we organise a tree planting exercise so that our grounds will see again a proliferation of lovely trees.We could start by planting eght-foot tall juvenile trees, which are known to grow at phenomenal speed. The cost of such a tree would be between RM200-RM300 each. This constructive and productive exercise may be a good way of appeasing the grouses of residents who protested..

Let us get involved in the replanting of our flora so that we can revert to the good old days when we were a Living Eden!

An Ordinary Tiaran