SIR, — Council members, officers and contractors should be aware that resident taxpayers generally do not like trees to be cut down, or even lopped. In fact most people would like more trees planted by their council. The case of the tree chopping row (H

SIR, - Council members, officers and contractors should be aware that resident taxpayers generally do not like trees to be cut down, or even lopped. In fact most people would like more trees planted by their council.

The case of the "tree chopping row" (Herts Advertiser, March 20) shows that the presumption in all cases should be to preserve our communal trees unless there is a clear danger.

Other countries do it better. In Japan, for instance, trees are venerated and when aged are provided with supports to help keep them viable.

In any case, as an urban community St Albans should also be planting many more trees to combat global warming and could extend its range to fruit and nut trees in suitable spots.

A.R. HELM,

Nelson Avenue, St Albans