The title, ‘On Killing a Tree’ indicates the ironical fate of a tree. A tree is a generous helper. But man’s selfishness and greed annihilate it. As a simple jab or chopping cannot kill a tree, a cruel man uses a number of cruel methods to kill a tree. So a tree is uprooted and snapped out of the earth. Then roots are exposed to sunlight for drying. They pass through the processes of scorching, choking, browning, hardening and twisting. The act of killing becomes complete when the tree becomes completely withered. The poet treats trees as sensitive living organisms. He adds human qualities to them to highlight their struggle for existence. Thus, the title ironically points out man’s utter callousness and cruelty towards trees. So, the title is appropriate.