I would like to give a word of support to Foppe Seekles (Olive Branch Brawl, June 14).

Yes, it is true that the trees in Malta are being pruned too aggressively, often out of season. To what advantage is yet to be understood.

In such a bare landscape as ours, trees should be respected and safeguarded. They belong to everyone and not only to the Department of Agriculture or any local council. Yet, it seems that whenever there is a nice line of trees providing much needed shade, they are hacked to the stock and this happens in most towns and villages.

What I find very sad is that, yet again, the complaint had to come from a foreigner. Come on Maltese, change some of the incorrect ways things are done, make your voice heard. Pristine nature is the only true legacy we can leave to our children. May I point out to the Rabat mayor and council that the decision to stop the pruning contract after the incident is a bit like “closing the gate once the horse has conveniently bolted”.