CAIRO: It might sound like a harsh reality but we have to accept it as the bitter truth: the old inspiring green trees can sometimes turn into real-life killers. Yes, it so happens that although the trees themselves are not to blame, they have become a real threat to property and human life. A consequence, perhaps, of a society that has neglected them for far too long. A case in point is that of a cab driver and his client who were both killed last year when a huge tree in Maadi collapsed and crushed the vehicle while both people were inside waiting for the client s young child to emerge from her nursery. Last week s sandstorm was another reminder of such accidents. On the day of the storm, strong winds caused many mammoth trees, some of which are estimated to be two centuries old, to succumb and fall flat on the ground. On Nile Street in Agouza, a big tree was felled and formed a barrier in the middle of the artery road, blocking the circulation of vehicles for several hours. What would have happened had it hit cars that were passing by? In Maadi, a Cairo suburb known for its greenery, several similar blockages were reported. On Road 18, a sizeable tree came to ground, wreaking havoc on two four-wheel drives that were parked in front of a villa. Luckily nobody was inside the cars at the time. Near Maadi Club, a narrow alley that is used as a main throughway for cars was also blocked by a fallen tree. These are just the cases that we are aware of, not to mention the numerous incidents that have gone unreported. Lately, trees have become a contentious issue, between tree lovers and the district councils on the one side, and residents on the other. It's a known fact that many of the trees are old and potentially pose a threat. But while tree lovers and district councils are questioning everyone who dares to dabble with trees, hardly any effort has been made to reflect on these natural pearls. Apart from the life-threatening factor relating to falling trees, once a huge tree comes down, moving it to the side of the street is another hassle, said Abu Salama, a Maadi-based gateman. He added: For garbage collectors to carry [the tree] away is a different task that requires a lot of preparations. After the sandstorm calmed down, Abu Salama was seen climbing one tree to cut some of the heavy branches off that threatened to crush anyone beneath them. He did this to protect his family as well as the cars that regularly park in front of the building s main door. Not all people have experience with trees like me. We all have to be careful, especially during stormy days, added Abu Salama. Following the sandstorm, efforts to prune and trim trees were noticeable because so many trees had fallen simultaneously in different places. Some of the Maadi residents revealed, however, that in normal circumstances their complaints to the relevant authorities regarding tilting trees are hardly acted upon. Hossam Kamel, a Maadi resident, said: To remove a tree or a big part of it isn t as easy as getting rid of a heap of garbage. This is why responding to such complaints can be quite cumbersome for the district council, but after all it s their job. I can t cut the tree myself. There are many aging trees, especially in a neighborhood like Maadi, said Nabil Fathi, a technician in charge of maintenance at one Maadi villa. Like humans, trees will age and die. Whenever we take the initiative of getting rid of one old tree, environmental societies immediately take action regardless of whether the tree is likely to survive or not, Fathi commented. Look at these trees, remarked Fathi. From looking at them you can tell they have been neglected over the years and it s too late to do anything about them. But we keep our mouths shut for fear of being fined. Very rarely would you find a tree collapsing as a result of aging, stressed Samia Zeitoun, secretary general of the Tree Lovers Association, Maadi. Trees fall due to lack of proper care and maintenance. Underground water consisting of sewerage and leaking pipes flood the tree roots and eventually cause them to fall. "Also, the wrong pruning will disturb the balance of the tree and will finally bring it down. When you cut a major part that acts as a support for the main body, don t expect the tree to stand for long. Lack of regular checkups and maintenance would expose the tree to parasites and worms that eat into their structures, added Zeitoun. Fadl Mahmud stated: "I know that there are genuine efforts to save trees, but it's a matter of time before they reach every tree. Until then, who's going to save my life or pay for my damaged car if a tree is really going to fall? "After the last sandstorm, I am scared to leave my car under the shade of an old tree planted on the sidewalk by our building. The tree is in very bad shape, he added. There are two sides to every argument and it should not be a case of one side being right and the other wrong. The contrasting need to protect the public from falling trees and to preserve the sparse greenery that exists need to be balanced. Some of the trees are really old. Signs of care are absent and amid the need for larger greener areas, cooperation is essential. Environmentalists, district councils and most importantly people should come together to save what s left of our green heritage.
