Urban restoration efforts should focus on ecosystem specific planning rather than large scale tree plantation drives, according to ecologists who say restoring native landscapes requires long term ecological planning instead of simply increasing the number of saplings planted.
The debate has gained attention following Bengaluru’s recent plantation drive, in which nearly 1.5 million saplings were planted across 240 acres using the Miyawaki method. While authorities said the initiative aims to reduce urban heat, improve climate resilience and expand green cover, researchers argue that large scale plantation campaigns alone cannot address the complex ecological challenges facing cities.
Experts say the widely adopted Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native tree species to rapidly create “pocket forests”, has shown success in promoting early tree growth and canopy development. However, they note that scientific evidence supporting many of its broader ecological claims including enhanced biodiversity, long-term carbon storage and self-sustaining forests after three years remains limited.
Ecologists also caution that urban restoration should consider the native characteristics of individual landscapes. Bengaluru, they point out, is naturally composed of dry tropical forests, thorn scrub and semi arid savannas rather than dense rainforests. Dense plantations requiring intensive irrigation could place additional pressure on already stressed groundwater resources in such regions.
Researchers further warn that focusing exclusively on trees may overlook the ecological importance of grasses, shrubs and other understorey vegetation that support biodiversity and maintain ecosystem balance. High density plantations can also reduce sunlight reaching the forest floor, limiting the growth of native ground vegetation.
Experts recommend that urban greening projects adopt climate specific and landscape specific restoration strategies by combining native trees with grasses, shrubs and other vegetation suited to local ecosystems. They also emphasise the need for long term monitoring, community participation and accountability to ensure restoration efforts deliver measurable ecological benefits rather than focusing solely on plantation targets.
According to restoration scientists successful urban greening should balance biodiversity conservation with public needs for shade, recreation and accessible green spaces while recognising that different cities require different restoration approaches based on their natural ecology.