Why are residents of Jalan Bani Bu Ali in Oman burning willow trees?

Muscat: Residents of Jalan Bani Bu Ali in the South Al Sharqyia Governorate are burning down willow trees which they say deprive other vegetation in the vicinity of their water.
They launched a voluntary campaign 20 days back that is aimed at getting rid of willow trees; more than 80 volunteers are participating in the campaign and they have covered five kilometres till now.
“Willow trees damage the environment and cause the proliferation of mosquitoes, rodents, snakes and scorpions; they also absorb a lot of groundwater, which destroys other trees,” Ali Al Jafari said.
“The trees that grow next to the willow tree will be totally dehydrated, leading to the death of trees and also cause salinisation of the soil,” Mohammed Al Kasbi, a volunteer in the campaign added.
“We appeal to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs to support the campaign,” Mohammed Al Kasbi further said.