* Five years ago, about 150 coconut trees from Marine Drive were transplanted to Oval maidan. Today, none survive.
Civic authorities are ill-prepared when it comes to transplanting trees. Experts have long complained that our city lacks both the skill and will to carry out the process scientifically. Trees are often transplanted or replanted haphazardly, without attention being paid to the basics.
Horticulturist UN Singh pointed out, “Every kind of soil needs trees of a particular type. Botanists and experts should be consulted before trees are planted. It is important for trees to be compatible with the soil.
Experts said the transplantation method has to be planned in advance. First, one should see if a tree lends itself to transplantation. While fruit trees such as mango, neem, jaamun, jackfruit cannot be transplanted, others like coconut, peepul, banyan can be transplanted easily, if done in the right manner. Besides, a younger and shorter tree is more friendly to transplantation. “The priming period should be well planned. A pit should be dug and the right sand be brought and exposed for at least a month. To minimise shock after transplantation, one should try and create as similar an environment as before, said green activist Nilesh Baxi.
Environment experts in the Tree Authority had suggested that technology be imported from Germany for the purpose. “The machine is supposed to be an attachment to JCBs. Its metal hands lift the tree from both sides and keep it with care in the new spot. But the proposal, made last July, is yet to be sanctioned,” said Baxi.
Checks Before
* Check if the species is transplantable
* Once the species is identified, identify the new location and the soil
* Give the new site sufficient time for priming
Care During The Process
* Never allow roots to become dry during transplanting
* Water all woody plants two to three days before digging if the soil is dry
* Ensure that the tree is removed along with the root balls, so that all the roots are lifted
Watchout After
* Tend to it like a new born baby for the first three months