Some pines are felled because of disease but the major cause seems to be irritation with pine needles and resin falling on cars, and the risk of the tree blowing over, though this latter can be combatted by judicial pollarding. I think that basically the Stone Pine is unloved by modern Italians.

There is a beautiful and substantial umbrella pine in Cambridge Botanic Garden. I always admire it when I’m there. True, this is the driest part of the UK, but depending on where you are I would give it a try.

It’s not just politicians unfortunately, there seems to be a general feeling amongst the population that finds these beautiful trees unfashionable. It wasn’t always so, take a listen to Respighi’s ‘Pines of Rome’.

I have just returned to England from a week’s holiday in Tuscany. I’ve never been before. I was told, the wine and food are unbelievable. Well it was quite nice but very expensive. What did totally blow my mind were those magnificent trees. I had no idea what they were can you believe. Since done loads of research. Shocking things I’m reading. I could never be as eloquent as you but I have the same passion flowing through me. I blame our politicians for everything in my country, but I think they do listen when there is enough weight behind a nations feelings. Unlike, dare I say, in Italy

Since I wrote that post I have seen scores of Stone Pines felled. I have planted about 10 of which I think 5 survive. A losing battle! Recently the most visible pine in Orvieto, rather like the one in Naples that is still on the postcards though felled decades ago, was axed. What can we do?

Here in Laigueglia they are on an “urban regeneration” mission to eliminate all the stone pines along the sea front. There is no evidence of disease or destruction to local pavements. It is absolutely staggering in its short-sightedness.

But here again protests by local inhabitants have fallen on deaf ears. Vote them out!

I believe there is a law protecting them, but if the person can prove the tree is a danger then – boom! Down it comes. There are better ways – for example pollarding the tree to decrease wind resistance but this sadly is rare, it’s cheaper to chop down the tree.

There should be a law protecting these iconic trees from the vandalism of the local council and planners who are cultural midgets
More and more of these beautiful trees are needed and trees of all kinds not less. They are symbols of Italian culture and history and are instantly recognized on an International level.