There have been reports in the papers after the recent summer rain and thunderstorms that trees had fallen in Bengaluru & Mysuru. The maintenance and pruning of the trees was blamed for these occurrences. While this premise may be valid to some extent, the basic problem is that our trees in urban and semi-urban areas are neglected and tortured for the sake of 'development'. If you see the trees in these areas, you will find that there is no space allowed near the trees and which is most often encroached upto the trunk by either pavers or concrete not allowing it to breathe and draw nutrients from the soil. We have to give a 1 metre radius of soil around the tree and not allow it to be encroached by pavers, concrete or other extraneous material. This will allow it to grow properly. Pruning is required of trees when the growth is unbalanced and/or the overhanging branches are a hazard to the roads. If we follow these simple practices our trees willl be nurtured and there will be perpetual green cover for our urban areas where vehicular pollution is a scourge.
