Plant trees according to space and utility, say experts

Thanks to massive campaigns and concern for the deteriorating environment, people from all walks of life keenly take part in sapling plantation drives. But many of them plant trees without knowing about their relevance to the space, say experts. Trees like Bohr and Peepal which are known for their girth and spread have been planted on central verges.

PS Bhatty, an environmentalist with vast experience in planting trees and taking care of them, said people plant heavy trees such as Peepal and neem on dividers out of ignorance. “I spotted Bohr which is a very large tree planted on a very narrow divider. These are emotionally excited acts of plantation,” said Bhatty and urged the district administration to educate people to avoid such plantation.

He suggested that Kaner with its seven varieties, bougainvillea and its five varieties, hibiscus with its four varieties besides Acasia Stan and some available flowery, evergreen shrubs are ideal for central verges. These selected plants should have foliage right from the exhaust level of vehicles so that all particulate matters coming out of their exhaust pipes are captured then and there. They serve the purpose of capturing all dust particles that get to fly by the wheels of vehicles.

He also suggested pruning the plants on dividers which are generally a foot above the eye level of the drivers. Lastly, plant small trees, not heavy ones, at intervals to keep the roads cool during summers, Bhatty suggested.

Similarly, he said, roadside green belts are to be filled with shrubs and evergreen medium and tall trees such as Sukhchain, Arjun, Pilkhan, Chilkhan, Kachnar, Toon, white and red, Sharih, both white and black, Mulberry, Amla, Kadam, mangoes for cuckoo, Acasia gulags and Jacaranda.