Open House: What factors the Chandigarh Forest Dept needs to consider before finalising the SOP for pruning of trees?

The city is getting old and so are the trees planted in the 60s. Many need to be cut or pruned to save human lives. This is the best time to prune trees. Go the 1/3 norm – cutting one-third part of the wood. Old dwindled branches be pruned first. There should be no repeat of the sad incident which happened in a private city school.

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NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Question for next week

Daily commuters between Zirakpur and Chandigarh endure regular and extended traffic congestion, making their travel during morning and evening a constant challenge. What measures should the UT police take to alleviate their suffering?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com

Ponder over tools, timing, technique

Pruning has several benefits. It can increase flowering, fruit production, promote healthy new growth, increase air circulation and give an aesthetic look to a tree. It is important to note that each plant in the landscape has its own growth habit and pruning requirements. It is necessary to prune overgrown trees. Plants damaged by insects, diseases or freezing injury generally benefit from corrective pruning. On the other hand, improper or pruning at the wrong time of year may result in poor plant development and reduction in flowering, and may increase susceptibility to insects, diseases or winter damage. It is important to learn and understand the three T’s of proper pruning – tools, timing and technique.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

Executors must have technical know-how

Tree pruning is a highly technical exercise and executors should have a deep knowledge of the job. The nuances of the pruning technique and most importantly the month when a particular tree is to be pruned need to be clearly defined. There are certain trees which require pruning in February, while some need it in the autumn season and a few of them just before monsoon.

Brig Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Ensure ecological balance is maintained

Before finalising the SOP for pruning trees, the UT Forest Department should meticulously consider environmental sustainability, ensuring that the pruning practices enhance biodiversity and preserve ecological balance. Collaborative engagement with local communities and experts is vital, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. The SOP should also prioritise tree health, emphasising selective pruning to promote growth and resilience.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Hire experts to assess health of each tree

Consider forming a committee of experts, including arborists, landscape architects and ecologists, to assess each tree’s health, age, surrounding structures and contribution to the local ecosystem. Prioritise minimally invasive techniques like selective branch removal over drastic crown reduction. Implement seasonal restrictions based on migratory bird patterns and nesting cycles. For the urban greens to thrive, we must prune with foresight, not just our shears.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Rope in citizens via awareness

Prioritise species-specific guidelines, acknowledging the unique needs of each variety of tree. Factor in seasonal variations, adapting pruning techniques to different times of the year to minimise stress. Incorporate citizen participation, encouraging tree owners through awareness campaigns and skill-building workshops. Establish a transparent monitoring system with regular inspections and accountability measures to ensure adoption of responsible pruning practices.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Go soft on migratory bird nesting sites

Apart from basic safety procedures and branch selection, the SOP must be a living document, adapting to Chandigarh’s unique canopy tapestry. Consider microclimates and avoiding harsh pruning near migratory bird nesting sites. Partner with citizen scientists to map hotspots for invasive species and vulnerable indigenous trees. Integrate data-driven growth modelling to predict long-term impact on canopy density and air quality. Weave public education, empowering residents to become caretakers of the city’s flora, not just passive observers.

Gurpreet Kaur, Mohali

Consider optimal timing of pruning

The UT Forest Department should consider the optimal timing and frequency of pruning a tree as per its species and location. Avoid excessive or improper cuts that may harm the tree health and structure. The safety and risk assessment of pruning operations, including the use of proper equipment and trained personnel, must be done. The environmental and social impacts of pruning such as the disposal of pruned material, the preservation of wildlife habitats and the involvement of stakeholders and public must be taken into account.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Dispose of clipped branches properly

The SOP for pruning of trees by the Forest Department is a welcome step as it would help maintain the greens in the UT. The SOP must also include system for disposal of pruned tree branches for the safety of general public as it gives a bad and unhygienic look to the area. The need of the hour is also to fix the age of trees and cut them on completion of life span.

Col TBS Bedi, Mohali

Don’t prune trees just for heck of it

Pruning of trees must only be done in case of genuine requirement and after considering the safety angle. Roadside tree branches touching vehicles can cause damage to the vehicles and need to be pruned on priority. Trim trees which can cause damage to property. Axe dangerous trees and snap the branches of overgrown trees in school, college and office complexes on a priority basis for the safety of people. Trees should not be pruned just for the sake of it.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Hanging branches pose a threat

The UT Administration should have taken this decision much earlier. Hanging branches of trees put residents and road/footpath users to a great risk. Pruning of tree branches should be done every six months. It should be done inside housing complexes as well so as to ensure sufficient light and parking space.

KC Rana, Chandigarh

Contemplate its impact on habitat

While finalising SOP for pruning of trees, the UT Forest Department should consider ecological factors like the need of species, timing and impact on habitat. The level of pruner’s skill, tree protection measures and monitoring post-pruning situation are crucial technical aspects of the exercise.

Prithvee Yakhmi, Chandigarh

Don’t allow pruning by power dept staff

Coordinate with the electricity department, road wing and cable as wells as gas firms before going ahead with snipping the unwanted green. Prepare a trimming schedule considering the variety and growth of tree. Once the pruning job is done, the waste must be disposed of immediately so that it does not hinder the movement of traffic in the area. Only the horticulture wing should undertake the work, not employees of the power department, who may not be aware of the technical aspect of the exercise.

Keep a count of the number of trees in the city and check their theft or unauthorised axing.

Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh

Motorists need clear view of road

Once the SOP is fixed, random pruning of trees in the city will become a thing of past. The authorities concerned must take care of pedestrians and motorists before giving green light to a pruning job as they should have a clear view of the road as well as signages. There is no doubt that trimming would help maintain tree health. It will also ward off the risk of its unannounced fall.

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

Trimming to enhance beauty of area

Branches of trees hanging on roads pose risk to motorists and should be trimmed to ensure safe and smooth movement of traffic. It will also enhance the beauty of the area. Before trimming away branches, the consent of the owners of houses in the vicinity should be obtained. The department should engage experts who should advise it on the way and timing of the pruning work.

MR Bhateja, Nayagaon

Make sector-wise roster for pruning

The demand for pruning soars during winter. The department concerned can carry out an extensive survey of the trees in the city, especially in residential areas, and prepare a sector-wise roster for the work. Some Banyan trees in neighbourhood parks are very old and huge in size. They block the sunlight and pose a risk. Special attention should be paid to these threats. A special survey should be done to identify old trees in schools to avoid any untoward incident. Eucalyptus trees planted along the boundary walls of educational institutions have overgrown and pose a danger. These trees should be removed or auctioned on priority.

Dr DS Cheema, Chandigarh

Prune trees hindering source of Vitamin D

During winter, trees shouldn’t hinder sunrays, the biggest free and natural source of heat and Vitamin D. A lot of Indian population suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. The administration must fix a month for pruning branches of trees hindering sunrays before the onset of winter.

Deepak Dua, Mohali

Engage consultant to prune the right way

Different tree varieties require different pruning methods. If not sure of how to prune a tree, consult a professional. Pruning a tree too severely or not pruning it enough can be detrimental to its health.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Residents of housing societies await relief

The pruning process needs to be more frequent in the city. Many trees in parks and housing societies are overgrown. The UT Forest Department can purchase machinery and hire manpower to prune these trees on a nominal charge. This will help the department generate revenue while bringing relief to residents of housing societies.

Sunny Dhaliwal, Chandigarh

Protect greenery in City Beautiful

SOP provides a structured approach to pruning, emphasising the importance of safety, risk assessment, equipment, schedule and environmental preservation. A balanced pruning cycle of approximately three years can help sustain optimal tree health. Prolonging the cycle exacerbates defects, paving the way for larger cuts and potential decay pockets. Carefully consider the pruning dose as it profoundly impacts a tree’s well-being. Above all, protect Chandigarh’s greenery and its beauty while pruning trees.

Vijay Malia, Chandigarh

Admn should ensure timely pruning

The most important point is timely pruning to preserve the city’s legacy. Entangled, falling or pest-infected branches pose a threat to the resident’s parked vehicles and passersby, especially during thunderstorm or lightning strike. Timely pruning will prevent trees from damage as well.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Consult resident welfare bodies

Take the view of residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) before putting men and machine at work. RWAs know better which trees are to be pruned first. All low-hanging branches need to be trimmed on priority. Snip the branches of two trees that meet each other over roads as these pose a greater risk to the passersby, irrespective of their health. So-called unhealthy or dead trees should be axed immediately.

Savita Kuthiala

Snip the branches hindering signages

Trees have mostly been planted along the city roads and around neighborhood parks in residential areas. With the passage of time, these trees have grown in their magnitude. The branches hanging over the roads and obstructing the signages and traffic lights must be pruned. In residential areas, trees endangering property, including cars parked under them, and branches likely to come into contact with overhead power lines must be cut.

SS Arora, Mohali

Risk assessment protocol required

The department must consider the environmental and climatic conditions of the area because these factors influence the timing and frequency of pruning activity. Risk assessment protocol should be outlined to prevent accidents. Regular updates based on scientific knowledge and technology will help the department follow sustainable tree management practices. Above all, SOP must address seasonal variations, ensuring that pruning is conducted at a time when it minimally disrupts the ecosystem.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar

Get expert advice before finalising SOP

The UT Forest Department has drafted standard operating procedure for the pruning of trees. The Administration should take the advice of experts before finalising the SOP. Factors like species, root size, cutting parameter, etc, should be considered for pruning of trees.

Adish Sood, Amloh

UT should hold regular inspection

The government should conduct regular inspection of trees with the help of experts. They should inspect the greens and advise on pruning or medication, if needed.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Ensure tree’s vertical, horizontal balance

Regular pruning helps in maintaining the health of tree. Trimming dying or diseased branches protects the tree from further harm. It promotes new tree growth and suppresses unwanted growth. It can prevent branches from becoming too large and hazardous. A tree must be pruned from its top also so that its height does not pose a danger. This will ensure the horizontal and vertical balance of big trees, thereby avoiding their uprooting or falling.

Vijay Shukla, Chandigarh