Every now and then we see news about tree planting drive. Who wouldn't love more trees? Everyone would like to see more trees in the cities which are becoming more of concrete jungles. I was wondering if tree planting is a natural choice for humans. We want to plant trees. Do trees need to be planted by us?

What does a tree need? Water or rain? Soil and nourishment? Pesticides and Fertilizers?

Many corporate leaders and managers call me to ask if they could do tree planting in the city. They ask for the choice of location to plant trees. My first reaction nowadays is to question their very wisdom. There is a time and place for everything, I tell them. In general I try to dissuade them from going in for tree planting. Instead I ask them to consider a seed ball program like our Million Seed Balls program (http://millionseedballs.org). My reasoning is that nature will decide which trees should come where and what seeds should sprout where and let them grow. What needs to survive will survive. We must only make sure that the seeds are of local species variety. And, let us say that the scattering of seed balls happen during the monsoon times. Doesn't it sound like a more natural choice? Besides, making of the seed balls is a spiritual experience. When was the last time you played with clay and bonded with nature?

Some people listen to my compelling logic. Few don't.

Like my little daughter taught me once, all that a tree needs is a seed, is it not?

--
I Am New,
Krish Murali Eswar.
Photo Courtesy: Andy Ciordia