We thank Mr George Pasqual for his letter (Heavy pruning of trees in Seletar a concern; Sept 19).

A number of the trees in the area need to be replaced as they will be affected by drainage upgrading works. Appropriate species will be replanted when the works are completed and this will include the thematic planting of Saraca trees on Saraca Road.

We have met with residents in the area to update them about this.

To address the concerns of residents about the heavy vehicle park across Yio Chu Kang Road, we will intensify the planting in the centre divider of the road, as well as in the buffer of the heavy vehicle park. The pruning of existing trees in the centre divider is in preparation for the year-end inclement weather.

We thank Mr Pasqual for his interest in the greenery that forms the backbone of our City in a Garden.

Oh Cheow Sheng

Group Director, Streetscape

National Parks Board