Muscat – Muscat Municipality has urged residents to consider the wider impact before planting trees in residential neighbourhoods, warning that unplanned or
random tree planting can lead to infrastructure damage, environmental concerns and reduced public comfort.
In an awareness message directed at citizens and residents, the municipality stressed that while tree planting is encouraged as part of enhancing green spaces, improper planting -particularly in narrow areas between homes and in service lanes – can negatively affect neighbourhood safety and quality of life.
According to the municipality, trees planted without technical planning may disrupt traffic flow and pedestrian movement, block sewage and drainage networks, and obstruct routine maintenance of essential infrastructure. Over time, aggressive root can weaken soil foundations, cause cracks in walls and pavements, and damage underground utilities.
Unregulated tree growth can also detract from the urban appearance of residential areas, pavements and service lanes, while creating environments conducive to insects and reptiles, posing additional health and safety concerns for residents.
Muscat Municipality highlighted the fact that planting trees too close to buildings or within confined service areas can limit access for maintenance teams and emergency services, increasing long-term costs and risks.
‘Before planting a tree, think about your neighbours and the community,’ the civic body advised, calling on residents to coordinate with relevant authorities and follow approved guidelines to ensure that planting trees contributes positively to the urban environment rather than creating unintended problems.
