Now, even foreign observers are noticing our haphazard pruning and the way in which we ‘care’ for our trees.

Arborist Ian Lansley finds it “upsetting” that, year after year, he sees “a steady and dramatic reduction in the number of trees lining Malta’s roads” (Times of Malta, December 3). He described some pruning as “butchery with a chainsaw”.

Well, this is not news. We have been seeing this happening all the time and many people, including experts, appealed to those responsible to see that pruning is done well by professionals. But, like everything else, nobody listened and our beautiful trees continued to be butcheredor destroyed.

Trees and plants have, since time immemorial, been the most popular and natural filters to purify the air and people have always striven to plant more trees. Our homes and yards were always embellished with fruit trees and flowery plants.

Some years ago, Nasa scientists tested more than 50 indoor plants for their ability to neutralize different emissions in the air. It is unbelievable, but the team’s research showed that a single spider plant was able to cut dangerous levels of carbon dioxide in a room by 96 per cent in 24 hours.

The scientists found that plants absorb the airborne fumes which are then recycled into nutrients by the bacteria that surround the roots. Ultimately, the plant produces oxygen which purifies air quality.

We all know that plants and trees (with some exceptions like the fig) absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

That’s one reason why we condemn the destruction of trees and encourage the planting of more.

Some experts found that asthma sufferers breathe easier and feel more comfortable in a room with lots of plants.