1) We are a group of concerned individuals who have observed that large, shade trees around Singapore are being felled and replaced by smaller trees, usually saplings of smaller tree species. We would like to know the reasons for this and urge N'parks to consider keeping or replanting these shade-providing, large trees as much as possible.

 2) The list below are some recent examples which do not seem to be for road widening or other land uses:

a) Khaya trees at the Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1-CTE junction

b) Khaya trees at the Yio Chu Kang Road - CTE juntion

c) Rain trees along Yio Chu Kang Road- Serangoon North Ave 1 junction

d)Khaya trees along Serangoon Avenue 2, adjacent to the field beside NEX Mall

e) Large trees along the stretch of Lentor Avenue between SLE and yishun Avenue 1.

 3) N'parks has planted saplings of smaller tree species wherever this happens. This however, is not an equal replacement. Typically, the effect of this is a drastic reduction in shade, and an increase in glare and ambient temperature.

4) Studies on the urban heat island effect, have shown that "urbanised areas here can be more than 7 degrees Celsius hotter than more rural parts at certain times on the day" (Cool project Underway: Singapore to develop road map to reduce urban warming, Today Online)

The Cooling Singapore initiative, a broad inter-agency, inter- institutional task force has been set up to mitigate urban warming. The resulting road map cites recommendations such as roof top greening, cross ventilation studies and shaded paths.

5) However, most pedestrian activity still takes place at ground level, and crucial to thermal comfort are these large shade trees. The smaller tree species do not fulfil this.

6) The U.S's Environmental Protection Agency has also done a study "Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce heat Islands". Among it's findings:

a) Shaded surfaces may be 11-25 degrees C cooler than peak temperatures of unshaded materials. Evapotranspiration (which is not provided by built structures even if they provide shade), can reduce peak temperatures by 1-5 degrees C.

b) Large trees improve air quality, crucial to human health, especially with respect to the  increased construction, industrial and transport activity in Singapore.

c) Trees reduce runoff from rain, and enhance stormwater management and quality. This is relevant to the increased frequency and intensity of storms we face.

7) Studies in UK have also found that the urban heat island effect gives rise to more violent and intense thunderstorms. The increased heat gives rise to an increased rate and quantum of evaporation resulting in more frequent and intense rainfall patterns.

8)We understand that land intensification is part of Government policy. However, our concern is why are many of the large, mature shade trees being felled, when they do so much to mitigate the uncomfortable effects of urban areas. These trees have been paid for with taxpayers' money. To fell them (with taxpayers' money) only to plant new saplings (again with taxpayers' money) does not seem prudent or make immediate sense.

9) When the trees have to be removed to make way for development, could Nparks not consider replanting them in land set aside for parks? Many parks in the newer estates contain mostly small trees and shrubs. Transplanting the large trees in these parks instead of  felling them would create an instantly more conducive, cooler environment. We as Singaporeans consider the large trees to be a part of our island heritage and feel we have ownership of these trees.

10) Visitors to Singapore have often expressed admiration for these large trees, such as those along Orchard Road and in front of the Istana. It took many years for Singapore to become the shady, green garden city we love. To see these large trees we grew up with being felled is painful especially when the resulting environment is hot, unpleasant and increasingly polluted.

We hope the relevant Ministries and N'parks will take this into view and take steps to minimise the felling of such trees.