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Letter: Trim trees, bushes and save energy

An article published Feb. 2 by the Almanac reporting how a neighbor spotted two people searching for an open window at a house in Menlo Park is a good example of why people should be encouraged to trim and prune their trees and bushes on a regular basis. Unsightly, shaggy bushes make easy hiding places for burglars.

Tidier trees can reduce gutter-cleaning to once or twice a year instead of four times a season. Stop wasting electricity and gas by allowing the sun fill your house with light, dry your clothes and add heat to your home in the winter.

There are other valuable ways to spend your time rather than raking up after other peoples' trees on a constant basis. It is fun to grow fruit and vegetables, and give them to friends, neighbors and those less fortunate, but it takes sun.

Trimmed bushes and trees make a yard look neater, cleaner and larger. It invites a sense of friendliness with neighbors. It helps prevent heavy limbs from breaking in a strong wind.

In short, well-maintained trees contribute to a safer, cleaner, neater, food-producing, energy-efficient and friendlier environment.

Jackie Leonard-Dimmick