Iron guards around trees no longer required after 5 years, says expert

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 29

Saplings are planted without guards during plantation drives owning to their shortage or unavailability. Many tree guards have lost their purpose as these remain fixed around grown up trees. Thanks to the indifference and lack of planning on the part of the administration.

Tree guards are important for saving saplings from animals and vehicles until these grow up. After a tree attains certain height and growth guard is no longer required. If guards are left around a tree then these come in contact with its trunk, which impedes its growth.

Tree guards come at a price. If old guards are just abandoned, new ones are required while planting more saplings, which means spending more.

Speaking on the issue, Dr Balwinder Lakhewali, an environmentalist said, “After five years guards are no longer needed as trees attain a height of more than six feet in general and are strong enough to resist a minor push.”

“In fact, guards must be removed after trees attain a certain height. These must be used for protecting new saplings to ensure their survival,” he said.

“Trees grow even if guards are not removed, but become deformed in the process. Sometimes direction of their growth changes due to this,” he added.

“It is strange that trees almost get damaged due to guards. The authorities, which install tree guards, must maintain data so as to remove these after a certain time. Otherwise, these only cause harm. So many trees get almost deformed just because guards hamper their growth,” said Ruchi, a resident.