I'm sure most people would agree with Bob James on the attractiveness, protection and health benefits of trees. (The Argus, August 7).

Their variety, natural planting arrangement and beauty contribute significantly to the unique picturesque landscape that is the English countryside, a heritage that must be preserved.

However, not all is rosy in the garden. While I appreciate the beauty and benefits of tree-lined avenues and leafy lanes, there appears to exist a growing tendency to indiscriminately overplant alongside our roadways.

What once gave us occasional open views across the beautiful fields has, certainly in parts of West Sussex, given way to something quite different.

It seems there is an overzealous desire to cover every inch alongside our country roads with trees, shrubs and hedges, thereby giving a dark, tunnel-like impression of the immediate surroundings.

In some places there are areas which are black with trees to the extent that almost no light reaches the ground.

Just what is the point of wasting valuable land in this way?

Motorways once presented us with some magnificent views across the landscape but even that is changing.

Alongside southern parts of the M23, for instance, one can see only vast areas of dense woodland and at others an overplanting of trees on the embankments right to the edge of the hard shoulders.

Blocking views of the landscape simply adds to the boredom of motorway travel.

Another aspect is the apparent neglect by council authorities to carry out necessary tree trimming alongside some main roads.

Would those responsible for tree planting and maintenance please review their present policies and procedures?

In particular, give us back our views across the beautiful English countryside.

-M. Castleman, Hassocks