Trees relocated during uplift projects: PHA sets up first dedicated orchards

LAHORE: The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has set up the province’s first dedicated orchards for trees relocated during development projects, Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid announced Sunday.

In the first phase, the orchards have been established at three Faisalabad parks: Bagh-e-Jinnah, Kaleem Shaheed Park and Dhobi Ghat Park.

According to Javaid, the district horticulture agency had identified 795 trees for transplantation. It has relocated 352 so far and is moving the remaining 443. Bagh-e-Jinnah received 166 trees, Dhobi Ghat Park 127 and Kaleem Shaheed Park 59.

Transplanted trees need deep watering twice a week and a layer of mulch around their base, kept away from the trunk to prevent rot. Experts advised against applying fertiliser or pruning healthy branches during the first year, as both can put additional stress on weakened roots. A commonly used guideline suggests allowing about one year of recovery for every inch of trunk diameter.

Experts believed autumn is an ideal time for transplanting trees in Punjab because cooler temperatures reduce stress on foliage, allowing trees to focus their energy on root recovery before winter dormancy.

In March, the PHA introduced the Public Parks, Greenbelts, and Green Areas Protection & Regulated Emergency Transplantation Regulations, 2026, to establish uniform rules for protecting and maintaining green spaces across Punjab.

Under the regulations, transplantation must be considered before a tree is cut down. If felling is unavoidable, at least 20 saplings must be planted for every tree removed. If a transplanted tree dies, the requirement increases to 50 saplings. All replacement trees must be native, climate-resilient species and maintained for at least three years.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is mandatory for all major development projects that could affect existing trees. These assessments evaluate potential damage and outline mitigation strategies before construction begins.

The regulations also set common technical standards for tree transplantation, protection during construction and post-transplant care to improve survival rates and limit damage during development work.

The framework requires all 21 district horticulture agencies operating under the provincial authority to follow the same rules and standards, Javaid said.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Punjab’s green cover, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring that development activities are accompanied by appropriate conservation measures, he added.

Meanwhile, the umbrella body of district horticulture agencies has recently completed the annual monsoon plantation drive. Monsoon is the ideal season for plantation as abundant rainfall helps young saplings establish deep roots quickly. Preference was given to local, shade-giving varieties, the director general said.

“The broader objective is to make plantation a sustained part of urban planning rather than a seasonal activity. This requires not only planting saplings but also ensuring their survival through appropriate watering, maintenance and monitoring,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026