Why tree planting is a growing challenge | Brief letters

The 'Plant a tree in '73' campaign | Mark Redhead | Decor choices in hospitals | Tory leadership | Wildlife photographyThe "Plant a tree in '73" campaign (Weatherwatch, 15 March) was successful because, at that time, councils could afford to employ their own highly qualified grounds maintenance staff, arboriculturists and landscape officers, of which I was one. Young trees had a higher rate of survival because council staff provided the aftercare and were responsible for ongoing maintenance. Since that time, councils have had to reduce staffing levels and more work is outsourced to nonspecialist firms.Gill FlynnSale, Cheshire? About 15 or 20 years ago, I saw the email address of Mark Redhead (Letters, 15 March) at the bottom of a magazine article about his work. I sent him the message: "Great name!" He emailed back: "Are you the American academic or the one who writes sarcastic letters to the Guardian?" I was happy to confirm that I am not an academic.Mark RedheadOxford Continue reading...