Does nailing hurt trees?

While the harm might not be evident initially, nailing gradually weakens the trees. Photo: Mehedi Hasan

When I called Bashundhara R/A my home a decade ago, my daily commute to the office in Gulshan was a lively affair. I zoomed around on my bike, exploring the bustling streets of Dhaka. But no matter how chaotic the day was, the moment I rolled into Bashundhara, I felt an unmistakable shift in the air. 

The temperature always seemed to drop slightly, refreshingly contrasting with the city's sweltering heat. This cool embrace was due to the low population density and the abundance of trees that lined the streets of Bashundhara.

Many of us have wandered through picturesque parks or serene lakesides, especially after the recent renovations that have revitalised spaces like Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Shahabuddin Park in Dhaka. These green havens serve as our escape, offering a breath of fresh air. And what makes these spots so inviting? The majestic trees stand tall and proud, providing shade and tranquillity.

But have you ever paused to observe the trees in these areas?

A troubling practice is evident in these places. Trees in these parks are filled with countless nails, many still stuck in the bark long after the posters they once held have fallen apart. These nails, used for hanging posters and advertisements, add to the problem of sight pollution in our environment.

In Bangladesh, trees often double as makeshift bulletin boards adorned with posters, banners, and signs, particularly in bustling areas like Ramna Park, Anwara Park at Farmgate and Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi. A closer check reveals the scars of time—hundreds of nails embedded in their trunks, remnants of our urban lives. This practice raises an important question: Does it harm the trees? 

Yes, these nails hurt the trees.

The answer may seem more complex than it is. It weaves a complex narrative about our relationship with nature and the impact of our actions on the environment.

Trees are living organisms; like all living things, they can be wounded. When a nail is driven into a tree, it punctures the bark, the tree's first line of defence against external threats. Beneath the bark lies the cambium, a layer of tissue responsible for transporting nutrients and water between the roots and leaves. 

While a single nail may cause minimal damage, repeated nailing or using large nails can cause significant harm by puncturing its bark and exposing it to pathogens, which may lead to decay or death. Multiple nails can weaken the tree's structure and disrupt the cambium layer, affecting nutrient and water transport. Additionally, certain metals in nails can be toxic to trees, exacerbating the damage. 

However, these scars on the trees are not just surface-level; they symbolise the ongoing damage we cause to these important trees that provide us with shade, fresh air, and natural beauty. While the harm might not be evident initially, it gradually weakens the trees. It shortens their lifespan, affecting their vital role in our ecosystem.

Using trees for posters and banners in Bangladesh is primarily driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness. Trees are readily available, providing a free and easily accessible surface for advertising. They enable awareness campaigns and event announcements in crowded areas without incurring much expense. However, this practice harms the trees themselves.

While some argue that a single nail does little harm, the collective impact of repeated nailing over the years and across hundreds of trees paints a different picture.

Trees play an essential role in our urban ecosystems. They provide shade, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and serve as habitats for birds and insects. Every tree that is damaged reduces these benefits and increases the vulnerability of urban environments to climate change and pollution.

In Bangladesh, where green spaces are already limited in urban areas, protecting the health of every tree should be a priority. Small changes in how we treat trees can have a significant cumulative impact on their health and longevity.

In 2022, The Print featured a news story about a 60-year-old environmental activist named Md Abdul Wahid Sardar from Jashore, Bangladesh. Sardar has dedicated himself to saving trees by removing nails hammered into their trunks. Since he began this 'nail picking' initiative in July 2018, he has successfully removed nails from over 10,000 trees.

Also, in 2022, a Rajshahi-based youth voluntary organisation called Swapna Ashar Alo, decided to raise public awareness about the issue of nails in trees. They took action to remove nails from trees that were affixed with advertisements and banners. The group met with the chairman of their union to discuss their efforts. The chairman responded positively and assured them of his full cooperation.

Bangladesh has the Graffiti Writing and Poster Sticking Control Act of 2012, which prohibits writing graffiti on walls or other surfaces without permission and pasting posters without authorisation. However, it does not explicitly address the issue of nailing items to tree trunks.

The nails found in Ramna Park and Rabindra Shorobor's trees illustrate a neglected story. Still, they also present an opportunity for change. By adopting tree-friendly practices and encouraging others to do the same, we can ensure our trees continue to thrive for generations.

To minimise harm to trees while accommodating the need for public announcements, several solutions can be implemented. One approach is the installation of designated notice boards or poles in public spaces like parks, providing a dedicated space for posters and banners without affecting trees.

Another option involves using tree-safe adhesives or biodegradable materials instead of nails to attach posters, ensuring the bark remains unharmed. Public awareness campaigns can also play a vital role by educating event organisers and the general public about the damage caused by nailing posters to trees, encouraging more sustainable practices.

Strict enforcement of rules, including penalties for violations, can act as a deterrent to this harmful practice. Additionally, regular tree maintenance, such as removing embedded nails and treating wounds, can help mitigate damage and ensure the long-term health of urban greenery.

It is time to stop viewing trees as mere tools and start recognising them as vital, living members of our environment. Let us replace nails with care and leave a legacy of green, healthy trees for the future.

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is the Vice President of Communication and CSR at BRAC Bank PLC.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.