What's the root cause of trees falling in Bangalore?

What's the root cause of trees falling in Bangalore?

The Hindu

`Concreting of pavements does not leave space for roots to spread'

# There should be a more scientific way of selecting avenue trees
# They should be planted so that there is sufficient space for the roots to spread

Bangalore: During the past few days, close to thirty trees have fallen in several parts of the city owing to heavy rain and gale. Scores of tree branches have fallen down in some areas.

Strong winds apart, concretisation of pavements has much to do with the falling of trees, say environmentalists.

Many of the trees are those planted on roadsides. Over the years, the open area around them has shrunk, having been paved over or cemented. This means the roots do not have enough room to spread or grow strong enough. There is no space for new roots to form either. Yet another factor that weakens roadside trees is said to be the way branches are regularly trimmed along the side where they may come in the way of overhead cables. As the trees grow tall, they become lopsided and lack the balance to withstand strong winds, say horticulturists.

There are those who feel that a more scientific way of selecting avenue trees and planting them with sufficient room for the roots to spread is necessary.

A. Yellappa Reddy, environmentalist and former Secretary to the State Government for Forests and Ecology, says that a detailed report had been submitted to Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) listing the tree species most suitable for the soil and weather conditions of the city.

It also points out the damage caused to roots and branches owing to the city's growth, he adds.

"There are trees such as ashoka, chamaka, pongemia and the rain tree, which can be safely planted on roadsides or on road medians. There are also dwarf varieties that can be planted along smaller streets. There are close to 120 tree species that are indigenous to the region and are found in Bangalore and surrounding districts. Trees are necessary for the city because they absorb carbon monoxide from the air and release clean oxygen,'' says filmmaker and environmentalist Suresh Heblikar.