Damas tree campaign

Dubai: Municipal authorities have launched an awareness campaign against the Damas tree as it poses a threat to water pipes and swimming pools in villas.

Last week, Dubai Municipality distributed circulars to a number of residential neighbourhoods about the importance of removing Damas trees from their gardens. The trees can reach up to a height of 18-20 metres.

“The campaign was launched after several complaints were lodged by residents. We are ready to uproot the trees since it requires heavy machinery, and will start removing them once we get permission from home owners to do so,” said Ahmad Abdul Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, Dubai Municipality.

There are two varieties of the Damas tree (conocarpus lancifolius). The first, Abdul Karim stressed, has thin leaves and is not usually grown in the country as its seeds produce an unbearable stench and can cause a suffocating atmosphere during high levels of humidity.

The second variety, which has thicker, oval-shaped leaves, is the most commonly found across the city and residential areas.

“This type of Damas tree is planted by the municipality along streets and main roads as we use it for landscaping purposes, and as we ensure they are grown in a proper manner, they are also very useful in absorbing water and carbon dioxide,” explained Abdul Karim.

While the tree serves beneficial properties within the city, he pointed out that the problem in residential areas arises because of its roots that grow towards sources of water.

“The roots are sensitive and grow towards water and humidity and, as a result, can pass through walls, water pipes and swimming pools. It also can cause interlock and tiles to shift upwards, causing damage to a person’s property,” he noted.

“When the Damas trees are planted in the city, we make sure that they are grown away from the sewage, water and electricity lines, and also acts as an insulator as it absorbs noise, and can also be grown in areas with high levels of salinity,” he said, adding that previously there were no rules implemented against such trees being planted in villas.