Importance of Tree Planting:
Trees are the lungs of the planet. We know that trees provide a lot of benefits to humans, flora and fauna as well as to the environment. It not only provides a home to animals and birds that make their habitats and a crucial component of various ecosystems. Trees and plants in general also create their own microhabitats which can help lower temperatures by regulating it and also allow endangered species like bees to be protected.
Besides the already well known fact that trees provide us with ample oxygen and carbon sequestration that can help mitigate or reduce global warming and GHG emissions, trees are also vital for disrupting or breaking the force of cyclones and other natural disaster events that are becoming increasingly frequent irregularities in weather patterns.
What is the importance of planting trees in Karachi?
Karachi generally has a very hot and arid climate where Summers can be very humid. This humidity is mostly due to the coast that borders the Arabian Sea.
As global warming and climate change has brought on more instance of natural, albeit human caused extreme weather events like floods (as seen during the Monsoon season of 2022. Read more: Devastating Impacts Of Monsoon Season 2022 In Karachi)
Where as recently, on 15th June, 2023 there was a Cyclone Alert issued by NDMA that was said to hit Karachi Coast making its way over from the Northeastern part of the Arabian sea. As Karachi is a coastal city, having many trees will only benefit the city in more than one ways in the unfortunate event of a cyclone as trees can also reduce the intensity of the damage caused by a cyclone by reducing its speed and altering its direction.
Also check out, Tropical Cyclones and their Causes, Effects and Management
Therefore, the trees could not only just reduce the humidity levels by temperature regulation if effective species of plants are planted instead of Date or Palm trees as the Karachi/DHA authority tends to do. These trees have consistently been planted and despite numerous failures, they are still being planted as authorities do not learn from past failures.
Palm trees survive in coastal areas of Sri Lanka and Thailand as they are tropical places which received heavy rainfall. It yearly rains 300 inches or more in these places, whereas minimal rainfall and especially the salt-filled air at the Karachi coast make it difficult for the trees to survive. Additionally, coconut palms, date palms and palm trees in general cannot withstand the high wind pressure and the salty air is not good for the leaves of these trees which is why not a single tree planted from these species have survived to date. Yet the horticulture authorities and DHA continue to waste money on planting ill-suited trees in Karachi’s climate.
Another reason for palm plantation failure is the fact that they were grown in a different place and then transplanted in the coastal area. Even though the coastal climate is suitable for date palms, the roots fail to take root due to the relatively higher concentration of oil and salt in the soil.
In Karachi, we need something else that can not only manage the humidity while also effectively allow the trees to thrive without having them dried up and dying.
What type of tree species should be grown in Karachi?
The simple and easiest way to combat this problem of tree plantation in Karachi is to plant indigenous or native species of trees that cna actually withstand the climate and winds as they are suited for it. Especially in Karachi areas of Seaview, Clifton, Hawks bay, and other median strips where trees are planted.
Some examples of species that can thrive in Karachi’s climate are:
- Keekar or Devi: These trees have thick roots that can withstand the high speed winds and the salty air of the coastal areas. Keekar trees also additionally help the declining water tables in Karachi which can be beneficial for the overall water scarcity issue.
- Lignum: These trees are perfect for landscaping needs in Karachi as they can easily withstand all types of soil including salinity and also do not require much water which makes it ideal for seaside planting. They can also grow in limited soil spaces and hence why they are popular everywhere else but Karachi for sidewalk and street plantations.
- Neem: This is actually one of the most beneficial trees to plant in Karachi as not only does it absorb toxins and purifies surrounding air. It is also tolerant of dry conditions, requires less water, grows quickly and can root deeply into soil making it an excellent choice for planting against cyclone or strong windy events/days. It can also regulate temperature effectively by causing a cooling effect all around which is why it is ideal to be planted in Karachi to combat its humidity and high temperatures.
- Alstonia: It is suitable for Roadsides, and can withstand high heat and temperatures and is also good at cooling the surrounding.
- Kachnar: Easily planted, less water, and allows for better temperature regulation reducing the humidity and heat.
- Amaltas: It is also one of the indigienous species of Karachi soils yet, is always ignored during plantations by authorities. It would naturally be extremely beneficial for the environment of Karachi. Around Karachi Parks, only 112 Amaltas trees have been spotted out of 11,296 species of trees in Karachi parks and strees. Atleast 10% of Amaltas trees needs to be planted in Karachi for sufficient results.
- Wild Almond Trees: Jungli Badam is another species of trees that will suit Karachi climate and increase biodiversity as well reduce heat.
- Tamarind Trees: good in Karachi soil, broad leaves will help improvement in Photosynthesis and temperature regulation.
- Gul-e-Nishtar: suitable for hot and humid weather like that of Karachi and can be planted in landscaping designs or ornamental decorations in the city where other sorts of trees cannot be planted for various factors.
- Other trees that can help in reducing heat as well as maintain water tables underground include, railway creepers, aralia, nerium, Mehendi trees, fan palms to name some more.
Also check out: Karachi Monsoon Urban Flash Flooding – Causes and Impacts
Related: http://Need for Trees in Karachi – Importance and Benefits Of Trees
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