About three weeks ago a Mastric tree (tad-Deru) was damaged during the road resurfacing works at San Anard Street, Tarxien.

I reported the damage to the Tarxien local council which in turn requested the Environmental Landscape Consortium (ELC) to attend to the tree. One of the tree’s main branches was partly severed and it was therefore necessary to remove the damaged limb.

When I contacted the ELC, rather than showing concern for the unnecessary haste in the felling of the tree, it stated that the tree had suffered irreparable damage and that this was the only course of action that could be taken and there was nothing more to be done.

In his forward to Shading our Cities, the chief of the USDA Forest Services declares that trees are vitally important for our social, economic and environmental reasons. Besides adding natural beauty to our environment, they are the lungs, air conditioners and natural filters.

They are a natural treasure that needs appreciation, conservation and active management. This is particularly significant in Malta’s case and I look forward to more understanding, care and effort not only in the planting of more trees but also importantly to the welfare of existing ones.