Trees enhance aesthetics of urban areas

TAMAN Tun Dr Ismail residents should not take Bukit Kiara for granted, says Pola Singh in “Do more to preserve city’s green lungs” ( The Star, March 14). Likewise, all residents in the city should not take the many other hills, ravines, boulevards and parks that are home to millions of trees for granted. This urban forest not only enhances the aesthetics of the city but also provides ecological, social, cultural and economic benefits.

Trees absorb water, clean the air, provide shade, reduce erosion, flooding and cooling costs, and increase property values. They beautify our neighbourhoods and provide privacy. Large tree canopies actually reduce the need for air-conditioning. They slow down water evaporation from our lawns and gardens, thus reducing our water bills during the hot months. Furthermore, when we see trees, we are calmer and able to concentrate better. Studies have shown that humans respond to nature in a positive way.

DBKL must identify the protection of the city’s urban forests as a priority and implement programmes, policies and by-laws to increase tree canopy coverage in addition to maintaining existing trees within its boundaries.

What we are seeing now is the polar opposite. There is indiscriminate felling of trees to make way for condominiums.

Let us all appreciate the forests around us. While DBKL has the larger task of preserving and enhancing our urban forests, we as individuals can get our hands dirty (literally) by planting trees in our own premises and neighbourhoods. This is a great way to keep our city beautiful and healthy.

VIJAYA G Kuala Lumpur