After all, why do BMC's tree trunks have white and red paint on them?

When passing through the shade of trees on a hot sunny day, you may have questioned why the trunks of these trees are painted white and red. As a result, the answer to your question is that painting is a traditional defence against fungal illnesses and pest invasions.

 

And, as a fun fact, the practise of painting the base of tree trunks with a thin coat of white lime (calcium hydroxide) and red geru (sinopia or red ochre powder) caught the attention of Malaysia's Kedah state Sultan Tunku Sallehuddin during his visit to the city in early 2021.

 

"As part of our urban tree management strategy, putting a thin coat of white lime (calcium hydroxide) and red geru (sinopia or red ochre powder) at the base of tree trunks is a traditional practise employed across Mumbai," BMC's Garden Department Superintendent, Jeetendra Pardeshi, said. Thin paints made from white lime and red geru mixed with water are applied on the trunk in bands, one above the other, beginning at ground level and rising to roughly 1.5 m in height."

 

The white and red bands alternate and are 30 cm to 40 cm broad. Geru (red ochre powder or sinopia) is acidic in nature and rich in iron oxide, whereas lime (calcium hydroxide) is alkaline. According to him, this combination protects trees from fungal diseases and pest infestations.

 

He went on to say that due to the city's tropical climate, Mumbai is home to more than 200 tree species." We also have to address many difficulties in terms of tree health, safety, and overall management and preservation of our urban trees," he said, citing the rich tree diversity and big tree population.

 

"We hope that private tree owners and other local agencies working with the conservation and maintenance of trees understand the importance and relevance of such traditional tree care practises in India," he added. "I think it's a terrific idea of painting the trees with lime and geru," municipal arborist Vaibhav Raje said, "and it should be done for all matured trees in our city." 

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @mumbaimatterz