Time to focus on native species, maintenance

The cause for such a big, green disaster was of course due to high velocity winds caused by Cyclone Vardah. When the wind speed is over 120 kmph, one has to brace for a certain number of trees getting uprooted. However, on Monday, we observed a very interesting phenomenon. The branches that fell fast were from the following species: gulmohur , copper pod and rain tree. All three are alien species. None of these are suitable for Chennai, but these varieties have been planted extensively. The extensive damage from fallen trees and branches is directly linked to such a tree planting drive. 

For the past 10 to 15 years, we have been advising everyone to avoid planting the saplings of alien species, particularly the three mentioned. We do not need that kind of canopy because of coastal parametres. We are susceptible to cyclones. Ours is an open, tropical, coastal forestry. The rain tree, copper pod and gulmohur are meant for rain forest locales. 

For a land such as ours, we should opt for trees with root balls, such as the palmyra and other palm trees. Normally, these are sturdy while at the same time they have an inherent flexibility. They are hardy trees and they do not get uprooted very easily. At one point of time, it was believed that the casuarina too could withstand a cyclonic storm. However, we found the casuarina trees took a sever beating during Cyclone Thane, in many areas of Cuddalore. 

Therefore it is advisable to plant punnai, country almond, Portia ( poovarasam ) and mandarai trees in the city. Coconut trees are also good to go with, but native palms are better, with the palmyra occupying the top slot as the most desirable tree. 

The tree planting drive that we have witnessed in the last few years is commendable, but it is often done without proper planning. Effort should be made to choose the correct species. Two other important factors here are the method of planting and their subsequent maintenance. It is necessary to plant the sapling in a twofoot deep pit, so that there is enough soil cover for the root stem, which will enable to tree to be rooted firmly in the ground. It is also important to raise the sapling from seeds and not from cuttings, as the saplings taking root from a seed develop stronger roots. 

Maintenance of trees planted in public spaces should be done systematically and scientifically. The advice of horticulturists and specialists can be obtained prior to pruning in order to ensure that the tree is both plush and healthy.