The city should not discontinue the free pruning pickup for a number reasons: Our fees are increased while they try to lessen services. There are many homes in Modesto that have so much pruning that it will never fit in the green barrels. One result that may come of discontinuing the free pickup service is less planting of trees and shrubbery due to the lack of pickup or due to the increased cost to have it picked up.

There is no mention of the revenue from the sale of city compost. Does the city make money from this, or is it just a drain on our budget? At the least, the city should consider less frequent pickups, but not discontinue the service.

I have two large, beautiful old oak trees that generate a great deal of pruning each year. I would be very reluctant to cut them down just because I could not afford to dispose of the prunings, not to mention the prunings my other trees and shrubbery generate each year. Besides, I like having a nicely landscaped home with large shade trees. All this greenery is beneficial to the environment, cleans the air, cools, provides homes and food for the wildlife, etc. The city should reconsider the proposal to discontinue the free pickup service.

If Modesto citizens feel the same way, call or contact the City Council. I have.

GEORGE RICHARDSON

Modesto

Elimination of the pruning pickup is on tonight's council agenda. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St., and will be televised live on Comcast Channel 7. Residents can send comments to council members via the city Web site, www.modestogov.com/council, or by calling 342-2236.