Wants More Trees
To The Editor:

Two years ago, I participated in the tree census in Queens. I spent five days in sweltering summer heat walking around the neighborhood near Francis Lewis Boulevard, counting nearly 270 trees. Most of them were in good shape, but there were some that are in need of heavy pruning or removal completely.

This problem seems to be all over Fresh Meadows also. During this summer, I have walked around the area and have seen many dead or partially dead trees, as well as healthy ones that are in need of pruning. The dead and dying trees need to be removed before they fall on cars [or] houses or seriously injure pedestrians.

Also, while I have seen that more trees have been planted, which is very good, a lot more planting needs to be done. Trees give us oxygen, provide us with shade on hot summer days and help to reduce flooding through absorption of rainwater into their root systems. I hope that more trees will be planted over the next few years.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows