Sir, – Declan Doyle (Letters, August 19th) and others object to plane trees ("giant weeds") destroying the vista of Dublin's Georgian architecture. Ireland, including Dublin, has one of the lowest tree densities in Europe and across many other parts of the world. The arboreal literature contains conclusive evidence of the tremendous value of trees to the environment and for our mental wellbeing. It is also irrefutable that trees in urban hot spots reduce temperatures and provide welcome shade, in addition to the presence of wildlife in the branches. My only advice to the naysayers is to desist and waken up to the benefits of admiring the greenery and smelling the foliage. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK JUDGE,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.