Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi has flown in a “tree surgeon” from the UK to give trees here a new lease of life.
Arboriculturist Mark Lawrence is advising local horticulturists on the care and pruning of around 250 trees before they are moved to the capital’s Mushrif Park. The trees, some over 30 years old, were uprooted from the park during its development. They have since been kept in large wooden containers awaiting replanting.
The 14-hectare Mushrif Central Park between Airport Road and Karamah Street is being developed by Al Ain Properties and is expected to open in 2015.
Lawrence’s main job is to oversee the early stages of pruning. “Pruning is an important step in ensuring healthy, strong trees. We had a few training sessions. It’s an easy process, but needs a lot of care and attention,” said Lawrence.
“Arboriculture is not well known in this region. The locals are good at handling giant palm trees, but transplanting broad-leaf trees such as the indigenous prosopis cineraria (Ghaf) requires special skills. I will oversee local horticulturalists till they learn this art,” he said.
