Why we need trees around our homes

Just strolling into my abode this afternoon, I realized my house had the highest number of trees to the satisfaction of my soul. “If only these trees have some economic values”, I said to myself.

As I entered the gate, I took note of the Guava tree and the need to cut it down. It has been there for a while without anything to show for the land space it has been occupying since it took over from the coconut tree.

The coconut tree had since been cut down due to the risk of falling and breaking car glass and the guava replaced it on its own since I cannot remember planting it there.

And talking about guava not paying any land use charges, I almost reached out to my colleague who advertised with so much excitement the commencement of fruit production of his own guava on instagram.

I changed my mind because he mentioned that he was already on the verge of cutting down the damn thing for non payment of the charges until he realized one day that there were some lights at the end of the tunnel.

Perhaps the tree heard of the impending judgement and decided to turn a new leaf hence the change, but then I was not impressed with it and would rather propagate another if I really want some guava.

I am going to replace the guava with this sweet orange I bought one day and decided to propagate it. To the glory of God, the orange germinated within weeks and that was thanks to the lady who gave me some tips.

She advised that I make sure to plant the seed under shade and not in a pure manure soil as it will kill it.

The second tree in my rented house is what we call “shawan shop” (believe me I don’t know the name in English). That one is located by the edge of the house on what is supposed to be original flower pots.

I guess again it forcefully took over that land since no sane person will plant that kind of tree so close to the house as it may have implications for the foundation.

But it appears the fears on the effect to the foundation are not founded as nothing has happened and the tree is not that big. However, we will continue to watch that space.

In terms of payment of its land use charges, this one has been performing like me as a tenant.

The only problem here is my lack of climbing skills which means the fruits sometimes fall to the cemented ground scattering into pieces, another reason we should all replace these cement and interlocking pavements with grasses.

Talking about performance as a tenant, I guess it’s my performance and relationship with my landlord that can warrant my talking like this in defiance of Oliver de Coque’s advice that tenants must not plant flowers in another man’s house.

He had given the advice to encourage people to build their own houses but also for people to realize that you have to limit your exposure in terms of modifications of any house you live in that is not your own.

But with proper understanding, things can be better and I am going to replace that guava with my sweet orange hoping that I will either benefit in time or in any case if I leave, it will still be for good as my successor will benefit.

The third tree is this long flower I do not know its name but had crossed my mind to cut down a few days ago until this my morning “brain wave” on the need to have as much trees as possible close to the house.

There could be risks of snakes but that is secondary to the reason for the trees.

Perhaps the most important reason to have trees is about air quality which recently has been a topical issue.

Trees can help provide some filtration of the air around the home and give some coverage even against heat in the day time.

The presence of tree magnifies any air flow and helps cool the house in a natural way. I have seen modern estate designs in Asia (CNN adverts) where they have developed high rise estate apartments with flowers, trees and grasses planted all over the building in a bid to engineer a natural “greenhouse” setting.

It is a practice worth replicating here and even the practise of interlocking and cementing of our environments should be ‘relooked’ at since they are not entirely creating as much value except for aesthetics.

With me making (and resting) my case for trees around our homes whether rented or owned, the choice is yours on which one to plant.

Whether guava, “opioro mango”, oranges, pawpaw, “udara”, coconut, palm tree, apple, pear, and so many others too numerous to mention, just do your favourite fruit analysis and make sure everyone’s view at home is taken into consideration in landing your choice.

For me and my family, we have selected oranges and mangoes to cover us from the Port Harcourt “black soot”.

Obidike Peter wrote from www.peterobidike.com

Monday 2nd April 2018