Tree surgery brings fresh hope of survival for dying trees

Surgery is a common word, used for the treatment of human beings and animals. However, trees can also be made healthy through surgery. When a tree's trunk turns hollow or weak, it can’t take the load of its branches. These give a chance to insects and pests to attack the damaged part of the tree.

Tree surgery means the removal of the damaged part of the trunk. Sometimes, a controlled flame is used to eliminate pests, followed by spraying an insecticide like prophenofos. The hollow part of the tree is then filled with Plaster of Paris and chicken mesh, covered with cement to save it from rain, sun, and insects. Resulting in the healing of trees. It takes a few years, and then they start growing again.

A special vehicle, called a tree ambulance, is common where all the tools and trained workers check the tree, and they start their treatment on the spot and try to make it healthy again. Therefore, if anyone sees that a tree is dying, then they can contact the Horticulture Department (MCD) at [email protected] to request support. This simple method can save trees from dying and protect crops as well.