MMDA deploys doctors to fix trees damaged by 'Basyang'

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed yesterday “tree doctors” to mend trees damaged by the strong winds brought by typhoon “Basyang.”

MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno told The Star that the primary concern of the agency’s tree doctors or horticulturists are the trees planted by the MMDA along the major roads as part of its “Metro Green” project.

The MMDA’s landscape management group planted 4,000 Ficus benjamina trees to mark Earth Day last April 22. The trees, commonly known as “weeping figs,” were planted by the MMDA along the center islands of major and secondary roads.

Ficus benjamina is a type of topiary tree reaching 30 meters tall, with drooping branchlets and green, glossy leaves. In tropical conditions, the weeping fig makes a very large and stately tree for parks and other urban areas, such as wide roads.

Nacianceno said the MMDA’s tree doctors have already begun inspecting the Ficus trees planted along the North Avenue in Quezon City.

“Many of these trees have suffered damages to their branches. Our tree doctors are now looking after them,” he said.

Nacianceno said the MMDA is also offering the services of its tree doctors to private lot owners who wish to have their trees trimmed, in the wake of Basyang, and even to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), whose personnel may encounter tree limbs intertwined with power lines.

“We have finished clearing the debris left by the typhoon in Metro Manila. We are now focused on mending wind-damaged trees,” he said.