‘Tree surgeons’ join info campaign vs poll posters on trees

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Now, listen to the "tree surgeons": "Free the trees from candidates’ posters!"

Forest pathologists, called "tree surgeons," of the Los Baños-based Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) have been mobilized to help in the information drive against the nailing of election campaign materials on trees along highways, streets and other public places.

Through its director, Marcial Amaro Jr., ERDB said that hammering nails and staple wires and hanging streamers on trees harm the normal functions and health of living trees.

"The wounds created by nails and staple wires on the trunk of trees become the entry point of decay-causing microorganisms," the agency said.

"Through time," ERDB forest pathologist Marcelina Pacho said, "the nails and staple wires rust and create metal stains on the trunk of trees. The rust and stains react with the tannic acid and other chemical compounds in the wood, resulting in the tree’s decreased resistance to decay."

The decay or any damage on any part of a tree, especially on the trunk, hampers the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the upper parts, and vice versa. It means that the tree will not have enough supply of water and nutrients to sustain its needs.

"Thus, the tree’s health suffers, resulting in stunted growth or death," Pacho said.

She added that the weight of posters becomes an added burden to the trees.

"Trees naturally shed off leaves, twigs, and branches as a way of managing their weight burden and physiological processes such as transpiration and food manufacturing. Therefore, it is unfair to them if campaigners will make the trees carry the posters of candidates during the long campaign period," she said.

Trees give off oxygen that man breathes, Pacho added. "Every tree that supports our lives is worth saving and protecting," she said.

Did you know, for instance, that during its lifetime, a tree can be worth as much as P8 million. Ecologically and materially, that is.

Consider the following facts and figures compiled by Dr. Leuvina Tandug, ERDB assistant director:

• In 50 years, one tree provides $62,000 (about P3.1 million) worth of air pollution control; recycles more than $37,000 worth of water; produces $37,000 worth of oxygen; and provides $31,000 worth of erosion control.

Materially, an internationally acknowledged Filipino forester told The STAR, a big tree can be valued as much as P80,000.

"Trees are the longest living and largest living organisms on Earth," Tandug said.

Only two mature trees can provide the oxygen requirements of a family of four, she added.

Trees are also good noise barriers, making a city and a neighborhood quieter. Moreover, they enhance the aesthetics of the environment.

"Their grandeur, tenacity, and beauty are probably the most enjoyable aspects of trees," Tandug said.

Likewise, birds and animals use trees for their homes and shelters and as source of food.

By cooling the air and ground around them, the shade from trees helps cool the Earth’s temperature, thus, they help reduce the "greenhouse effect" by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Tandug also noted that people who plant trees become healthier, better looking, richer, and have more friends.

"Plant a tree and find out!" she urged everyone.