Will planting more trees save the planet?

THE importance of trees was writ large in the BBC’s Countryfile wake-up call about the part they play in our lives and what we must do to preserve their health-giving properties. We’re not separate from nature and we are certainly not superior.

DAVID HARVEY, Chippenham, Wilts.

MAy I introduce a note of caution in the calls to encourage everyone to plant trees. If you have a small garden, please think twice. Consider the effect on your neighbours — before you know it, your tree could be cutting out most of their daylight. And there is the danger that the roots will affect the foundations of nearby homes. We planted three conifers that grew and grew so I know it costs a lot to have trees removed professionally. We still have a walnut, beech and four hornbeams, plus a high privet hedge, meaning that apart from the early morning and late afternoon, the garden is in shade. At least in the winter we get a little more light once all the leaves have fallen — but that’s another story. MARGARET HATCH,

Maidenhead, Berks.

I ADMIRE the zeal of youngsters planting trees to aid the environment. However, this is nothing new. I was Brown Owl for two Brownie Packs who took part in the campaign ‘Plant a tree in ’73’. They ran jumble sales to pay for a tree to plant in the grounds of Toftwood School, Dereham. Then came ‘Plant one more for ’74’, so they embarked on more fundraising. I hope that both trees are thriving.

GILLIAN HILL, Sheringham, Norfolk.

MAnUFACTUrerS are jumping on the climate-change bandwagon by promising to plant a tree for every purchase. Will they tell us where the trees are planted and if they are cared for?

TERRY McCARTNEY, Canvey Island, Essex.

HOW many will be out of work and in poverty just so the elite can say they did their bit for the postcarbon world and planted a tree? TED SHEPHERD, Windsor, Berks.