Palm tree controversy

[Dolores]

There is a local debate going on re the recent palm tree planting spree of the City of Santo Domingo government. Environmentalists have debated that the trees do not provide shade.

A published advertisement in the Listin today reports that stories have appeared in the US criticizing the planting of the trees and saying that both Los Angeles and Miami are having second thoughts about planting these.

Here is a report that appeared in one of the publications mentioned:
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news...lm_Trees.shtml

Personally, I have always agreed that palm trees do not provide shade. Now it appears that they are not low maintenance, as their falling branches have to be removed at a high cost.

[Talldrink]

Dolores, great article. But doesnt the DR Government do most things for 'looks' anyway? They usually act in response to what makes other nations or States seemingly appear as having luxury. As the article stated, palm trees have become a symbol of paradise. They are cheap initially but expensive to upkeep. However, as with anything, the Dominican government will do what is cheap and look good for the moment without any thought given to long-term demands or expenses. Lastly - how often are they thinking of the environment in making any decisions??

[Keith R]

Oh boy, here we go again....

[Don Juan]

It is beyond my comprehension why/how the government does what it does.
In this day and age when global warming is a real and present danger to our planet, they decide to cut down the right and plant the wrong trees.
I mean, sure, you wanna go for that Miami Beach look but what about consequences, good or bad? Doesn't anyone think outside the box?

It's very good to plant more trees, but why not alongside the ones already there? Beautiful Neem trees that provide shade and possibly homes for birds and other creatures?

The big cities in DR and throughout the world can benefit greatly from many more trees along their boulevards, in plazas and even backyards.
If people there had any sense, they would try to reforest the bare lands throughout the island with native or even foreign species that have proven to be hardy and low-maintenance; preferably fruit/nut trees.
But, that ain't gonna happen. The DR is the DR.... Alas!

[Hillbilly]

Oh cut it out!! Everyone --you and me-- knows that the trees were planted to line someone's pocket. There is no earthly reason to yank up one tree and plant a palm tree. (A mahogany tree, maybe). Santurce, Puerto Rico has some lovely tree lined streets. So does Santo Domingo....Bolivar and Independencia. for example, plus most of Gazcue.

I noticed, this past weekend, that palms had been planted around the perimeter of the JPD Olympic Center. At least, along 27 de Febrero and Ortega y Gasset. One good blow from some high winds would knock them all down, I think....

I'd love to see laurels and mahogany trees along the roadways....who cares if you have to repair the sidewalks every now and then....

HB

[chola1978]

Samanes or Flamboyas mightwork also beatuful trees and give lostof shade

[chola1978]

flamboyans

[Dolores]

Simon Guerrero, a well respected environmentalist, says that an analogy cannot be made comparing the palm trees planted in Miami and Los Angeles with those planted by the city government of Santo Domingo. He supports the planting of the palm trees.

See Revista - Palmas nativas resisten más los vientos de los huracanes

[Campesina]

Is it my imagination, or did they also just take out the trees in the roundabout across from Baileys in Sosua and plant palms? Is this a nationwide effort to get rid of the trees? What a shame.

[Funnyyale26]

I just feel there are problems that have wayyy more priorities than this...Water, Sewage, GARBAGE, ETC.