In 2017, the city of Salvador, Bahia, established its Urban Afforestation Master Plan and, as part of this initiative, released a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to plant in urban spaces.
Which species are most suitable and how to plant trees on sidewalks are some of the questions answered in the document. Although titled the “Salvador Technical Urban Afforestation Manual”, the guide can be used by residents of any city, especially those living in the Atlantic Forest biome.
Manual Highlights
Technical guidelines – For planting on sidewalks, for example, the manual highlights the need to check the width of the walkway to balance pedestrian flow and tree growth. In Salvador's case, narrow streets and even narrower sidewalks were taken into account. Additionally, it is necessary to use species with root systems that minimize damage to sidewalks and underground infrastructure, such as water, sewage, and telephone lines.
Factors to consider when planting – Size, canopy shape (reducing the constant and costly need for pruning), and climate adaptation. The tree's distance from street furniture, such as traffic signs, traffic lights, and fire hydrants, is another important element addressed in the manual.
Species guide – One of the document's key features is a guide with photographs and technical datasheets containing information and characteristics for each of the 50 species recommended for urban environments, including native habitat, size, planting locations, and foliage. All listed plants are native to the Atlantic Forest.
The publication is available for free download.
This article was written by Marcia Sousa. The translation is powered by AI.
