Trees and Shade

When Singapore decided to go green in the 70s, trees, bushes and all types of green foliage were planted along roads, at the road dividers and wherever there was space. The focus during this period was to plant trees that were large, grew high and whose green canopies provided much needed shade in our harsh sunny climate. The end result was simply pretty - roads, lanes and expressways shrouded beneath a green tunnel that simply went on and on. You can still see such vistas along the upper stretches of Sembawang Road and the older section of PIE near Boon Lay.

What about now? The new highways are still lined with trees but of a type that did not grow gigantic umbrella-like canopies that provided shade. They simply grew straight and tall leaving the roads exposed to the harsh sunlight. The thinking of the park authority had shifted - the branches of the trees previously planted easily broke especially during storms - so now they grew other tree species that have stronger branches. Alas! greenery without the shade.

Driving along the roads under the hot sun is now simply - hot and eye-scorching. No cool relief under a green shroud. Perhaps, the authority need to refocus on trees that do provide shade - so that we can have both the green and the shade and a cooler ride.