When it comes to claims of massive deforestation, however, the evidence is indisputable. Roggeveen reported few trees and none taller than about 3 metres. Yet soil analysis suggests an estimated 16 million palms once stood on the island. Deforestation seems to have begun as soon as the settlers arrived around 1200, and was complete by about 1500. The reason why the islanders wiped out their forest has long nagged at researchers and is still open to dispute. Some palms may indeed have been cut down to assist in moving the statues, though Hunt points out that they would not have been ideal for the job since they have very soft interiors. Other trees were used for firewood, and land was cleared for agriculture.