I wrote a post for Blog do Planeta about the invading and exotic species found in the Atlantic Forest. I talked with Helena de Godoy Bergallo, a researcher at the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ). She pointed out some of the things that people do in the hopes to preserve the environment but that end up harming it. Things such as feeding stray dogs and letting pet cats walk across rooftops.

This conversation reminded me of the issue of urban trees. Since the Brazilian colonization, people have been planting trees from other regions of the country and the world in front of their houses and in their backyard. For example, the mango tree mentioned in the song—”when I step on dry leaves, fallen from a mango tree”—comes from Asia. However, years ago, it was chosen by our local government to decorate public streets. Find out more about the risks it poses on the post.

So, which trees can be used in urban areas? The endemic (native) species for the area in question, of course. But there’s a detail that is worth pointing out. My beloved Araucaria tree, for example, is native to the Atlantic Forest. However, it is no longer found in the Sao Paulo coast. So, it should not be planted on the seashore. Remember that the biome also has its particularities.

Yeah… urbanization and landscaping are a little bit complex. Before planting your little seed or seedling, contact your local Secretariat of Environment. Get their help to select the right species. They can—and should—be able to give you a list of endemic species. Also, be aware of the urban technical requirements that must be observed should you decide to plant a tree on a sidewalk. In the city of Sao Paulo, it needs to be at least 1.20 meter wide. The tree should not get in the way of this measurement. I know that in practice…

Well, I’m going to leave (below) some information related to trees in urban areas. Have fun:

• Their size must be appropriate for the space available;
• Preferably, their fruit should be small to avoid accidents;
• The tree top should be compatible with the space available to avoid obstructing traffic and building facades;
• On sidewalks, choose species with deep roots to avoid damaging the public pavement;
• Choose pest and disease resistant species as the use of pesticides and fungicides is not recommended;
• Be careful with power cables; with water, sewage and gas pipes, and with directional signs. Trees must not interfere or damage these public properties;
• Make sure the trees do not interfere with the buildings’ natural and artificial lighting;
• It’s best to avoid species with thorns along their trunks and branches;
• Fallen leaves can clog gutters and sewers; therefore, prefer planting trees with small leaves.

Note: The government of the city of Sao Paulo has started a photography contest called “Árvores da Cidade de São Paulo.” See here: Anyone with a beautiful, poetic, conceptual photo or else, of a tree planted in this chaotic metropolis can participate. I’m going to enter my photos—I took the one below from my window. Kisses. Have a nice Friday.