Chandigarh rolls out SOP draft for tree pruning

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Chandigarh, January 12

Random pruning of trees will be a thing of the past in the city. The UT Forest and Wildlife Department has prepared a draft standard operating procedure (SOP) for the pruning of trees in the city. The department has invited suggestions from the stakeholders and general public within a month for improvement in the SOP.

As per the draft SOP, guidelines have been set regarding regular pruning, light and heavy pruning. In regular pruning, branches with circumference up to 15.7 cm can be cut, while in light pruning, only branches with a circumference of more than 15.7 cm but not surpassing 40 cm can be cut. At the same time, branches with a circumference of 40 cm or more can also be pruned under heavy pruning, suggested the draft.

Benefits of pruning

• Mitigates tree-collapse risks
• Provides clear road view
• Minimises nuisance to building occupiers
• Enhances tree vitality
• Prevents disease and pest attack
• Lessens wind resistance
• Beautifies urban landscapes

The department has prepared the draft SOP under the preventive pruning programme introduced by it to enhance tree health and reduce incidents of trees getting uprooted during high velocity winds or storm.

The guidelines for pruning of trees prescribed for adherence by all concerned to prevent reckless practices that could diminish UT’s green cover.

As per draft, the preventive pruning programme addresses concerns like co-dominant stems and low branches prone to splitting. Through thoughtful pruning, tree stress will mitigate, extend their lifespan and safeguard lives and property.

Pruning is a technique that entails selectively removing dead or living parts of a tree. The practice is aimed at enhancing the tree’s shape, promoting healthy growth and optimising overall plant vitality and structure.

Pruning will offer a range of benefits, from risk reduction to improved aesthetics in urban environment.

As per the draft, regular and appropriate tree pruning is an effective measure to reduce risk and ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, clear roadside obstructions, as roadside trees can obstruct the view of pedestrians and motorists, hinder vehicular access, and block road signs and lampposts.

Further, pruning will help maintain or improve tree health, form and structure. Appropriate pruning can prevent the invasion of pests and disease by eliminating infected or dead tree parts and thinning dense crowns, minimising the spread of pathogens.