Mayor wants sustained maintenance of trees in city

Mayor Benjamin Magalong wants sustained management and maintenance of pine trees and other tree species in the city.

The mayor on Nov. 19 directed barangay officials, agency heads and business owners to conduct regular inspections of all the trees in their jurisdictions including parks and schedule the removal of climbing or clinging vines as part of tree management and maintenance.

City Environment and Parks Management Office Asst. Head Marivic Empizo has cited the effects of climbing vines on trees:

*Vines will cause structural damage as they grow on trees as their increased weight can potentially break branches.

*The vines capture more wind and water than what the tree is used to and capable of supporting, leading to a potential toppling of the tree.

*Climbing vines end up strangling or girdling a tree as it attempts to grow and expand.

*Vines on older trees compete with its roots and rob them of moisture and nutrients.

She said the goal is to remove the vines without damaging the tree.  She advised residents to use gloves and protective clothing in order to avoid skin reactions from the vines. – Aileen P. Refuerzo