Should We Grow Trees by Buildings?

Created By RISC | 10 months ago

Last modified date : 10 months ago

Trees have both positive and negative aspects. They’re attractive, clean the air, reduce the temperature but can also cause problems.​

Here are some views from students, engineers, architects, biologists, and officials about trees near buildings.​

More than 80% said trees near buildings provide shade, visual comfort, air purification, look attractive, and cool indoor and outdoor temperatures. 40% said trees provide habitats for small animals. Others mentioned topics including fruits, gardening, privacy, and flood mitigation.​

But trees can also have a negative impact. 70% mentioned poisonous plants. 60% cited fallen leaves and branches. 50% reported root problems with buildings. Other issues include excessive odor from flowers, blocked perspectives, and trees falling on properties.​

There are ways to mitigate and prevent such problems. ​

A key solution is to choose appropriate trees, avoiding deciduous trees like Albzia saman (Jacq.) Merr., Millingtonia hortensis L. F., and Alstonia scholaris to prevent fallen leaves, strong odor from flowers, and broken branches. Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult., Ficus annulata Blume., Ficus annulata Blume can be more suitable.​

Understanding each type of tree and how to care for and prune it can help them last longer and cause fewer problems.​

Stay tuned for more information on how and where to plant trees to best benefit.​

Story by Chananya Kasempiyarom, Intern from Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University and Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, Environment Division and Urban Environmental & Biodiversity Engineer, RISC ​