TIPS ON TREE PLANTING
A story goes that a wicked man once unintentionally watered a sapling
while washing his hands.
On account of this he was
rewarded with one day stay in heaven.
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Tree Planting and Care is a holy act. One tree is equated to 10 children in Indian scriptures. Here are some tips towards creating a greener world:
1. SPACING OF TREES
Trees are gregarious in nature, i.e. they prefer growing together as they assist each other mutually in many ways. So our effort would be not only to cover more area for tree plantation but also to plant more trees in a given area.
There are two aspects of tree space: above and below the ground.
The above ground space is more obvious for e.g.. tall trees should not be placed where high tension wires are running overhead. Underground space is also as important and medium sized trees should be planted atleast at a distance of 4 meters from each other and bigger ones at 8 meters from each other and 5 meters away from buildings foundations.
2. DIRECTION OF PLANTING TREES
The trees should be planted especially on the south and south - west sides of the building. This would give shade during summers. Large growing species are particularly desirable at rearwards .
3. WHEN TO PLANT TREES
The period of planting depends upon the species, region, availability of irrigation facilities, rainfall of the region, etc. Winter is the best time for planting deciduous trees as they are dormant at this period and hence less likely to suffer from damage. For evergreen and semi-deciduous trees, rainy season is the best time for planting. Trees may be planted during the following periods :
- During Spring: That is January and February. At this time all the factors (especially the temperature), required for tree growth are present. Thus, this is a good time for young saplings to be planted.
- At the onset of Monsoons : For most species and most areas, planting is carried out during monsoons. It is advisable to start planting work immediately after a good shower and when the ground is well moistened to the depth of planting. Thereafter any delay should be treated as loss of growing season.
4. PLANTING CLIMBERS AND BUSHES
Places where trees can not be planted can be covered with bushes and smaller plants. Another possibility is to have Climbers (plants that need support to grow), which require very little space to grow but provide a large leafy area. They can brighten up the boundary walls, arches, pillars and cover the ugly sites.
5. AFTER CARE
The after care of the saplings till they reach a certain age and height is essential. Though lakhs of saplings are planted by our government each year, a lucky few blossom as big trees. Once the rains cease, the saplings need to be watered regularly, protected from cattle and pests and insects, given manure. It will definitely help if residents take up watering in their nearby areas.
6. WHAT SPECIES TO PLANT?
Have you ever observed the trees around your home, or while traveling . An inclination of planting a few limited varieties is clearly evident. As a result we have more number of Gulmohars, Ashokas, Alstonias, Acacia, Papri and that too at the cost of other species. All tree species have some beauty or characteristic, but let us not be overwhelmed by just a few at the cost of losing others.
Delhi can have more then 150 species of trees growing well, but not more then 30 species are found growing commonly. Thus we must plant a variety of species and not restrict to few species. Nature has of course provided us with a wide variety and here are a few which we can grow easily.
This monsoons if you are thinking of making your space green, below are a few tree species you can opt for rather than just the ones which grow commonly. We suggest planting those trees which absorb pollution, give shade during summers, are strong and easy to grow and are native to the environment. Here are a few to help you discover the beautiful world of trees:
Beautiful Indian Flowering Trees:
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Butea monosperma (Palas)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas)
Crataeva religiosa (Barna)
Erythrina indica (Indian coral tree)
Lagerstroemia flos-reginae (Jarul)
Plumeria alba (Champa)
Thespesia populnea (Bhendi)
Fast Growing Indian Trees:
Anthocephalus cadamba (Kadam)
Ficus religiosa (Peepal)
Ailanthus excelsa (Maharuk)
Aegle marmelos (Bel)
Albizzia falcataria (White Albizzia, Sengon)
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Medicinal Trees:
Aegle marmelos (Bel)
Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Butea monosperma (Palas)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas)
Cinnamomum camphora (Kapur)
Emblica officinalis (Amla)
Ficus glomerata (Gular)
Ficus religiosa (Peepal) Hardwickia binata (Anjan)
Madhuca indica (Mahua)
Michelia champaca (Champak)
Moringa oleifera (Drum stick)
Saraca indica (Ashoka)
Syzygium cumini (Jamun)
Terminalia arjuna (Arjun)
Terminalia bellerica (Bahera)
Terminalia chebula (Harada)
