Having more wayside trees benefits urban environment

Borneo Post

24-05-2025

The tabebuia tree is more than just 'a pretty face in the landscape'. It is a symbol of resilience, sustainability and harmony with nature. — Photo from pexels.com
RECENT destruction of trees along some roads in Kuching for transportation development has really given me some perspectives.
Sir David Attenborough, in his book, 'A Life on Our Planet', presents a review of the natural world throughout the past 70 years.
According to him, 'the world is heading for disaster if no redemptions are taken now'.
Attenborough, who just turned 99 earlier this month, is hailed as the most active researcher and broadcaster of natural heritage, covering all parts of Earth, so he truly knows what he is talking about.
His 'no redemptions' statement reflects the global situation where human beings have destroyed vast areas of forests, grasslands, icebergs, and even the great reefs in Australia resulting from the rising temperature and levels of acidity in the environment.
There are now alternative energy options other than fossil fuel, which is regarded as a source of pollution and global warming.
In this respect, Sarawak is heading towards utilising hydrogen technology, as well as solar energy for electricity generation.
Having said this, it is known that leafy trees absorb carbon dioxide and in the process, release oxygen that rejuvenates air quality.
So, why don't we have more trees around the city, especially over the open spaces?
The authorities did plant some beautiful wayside trees around Kuching in the 1970s.
One of them is the 'Tabebuia rosa', or 'trumpet tree'.
I see this species, which is native to the Americas, as 'a gift of beauty to the world' with its bell-shaped blooms.
These majestic trees are planted across the tropics and the sub-tropics not only for their visual appeal, but for their environmental and ecological benefits.
In Kuching, they used dot along the Jalan Simpang Tiga near the Spring Shopping Mall, but recently, several of them were felled to make way for the ongoing Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project.
Fortunately, we have some other trees elsewhere in Sarawak.
The trumpet tree is a natural showstopper. The specular flowering display in hues of pink, yellow, purple and white, comes in dramatic bursts during onset of a dry spell in our weather.
This tree species plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity. The blooms attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds that are crucial for pollination.
Additionally, it provides good shade for humans and birds, contributing to healthy urban and natural habitats, respectively.
The tabebuia contributes to environmental sustainability in several major ways: Air purification – like all leaf-borne trees, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, helping to combat climate change; Urban cooling – the leafy canopies provide shade, reduce the 'heat island' effect in cities, and lower energy consumption, and; Soil health – the deep roots help prevent erosion and improve water retention.
The tree is known for being drought tolerant and relatively easy to maintain once it is established.
This makes them an excellent choice for reforestation, as well as for planting in areas with low-water retention or environmental stress.
It is also a good timber tree, as it yields hard durable wood good for decking, furniture-making and the construction industry.
The tabebuia tree is more than just 'a pretty face in the landscape'. It is a symbol of resilience, sustainability and harmony with nature.
By planting and preserving more of this tree, we are not only beautifying our surroundings, but also contributing to the planet's ecological balance and well-being.
Another great species is the 'Jacaranda mimosifolia', native to South America especially Argentina and Bolivia.
The trumpet-shaped flowers are in vibrant purple or bluish lavender hues, and the leaves are fern-like bipinnate and offer light dappled shade.
The tree can grow up to 50 feet (over 15m) tall, and it is a fast-growing plant.
It is moderate drought-tolerant once it reaches maturity.
The jacaranda is, in my opinion, a great urban landscaping choice for the streets, parks as well as large gardens due to its large canopy and stunning flowers.
Happy Gardening!