AMMAN -- In an attempt to retain Amman's original character, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) will relocate more than 1,000 palm trees from the capital's streets and sidewalks to Aqaba starting in January 2006 and replace them with trees native to the city, officials said.
"The primary reason is to give Amman its special character," GAM Public and Amusement Parks Department Director Haitham Juwainat told The Jordan Times.
"Palm trees give the capital the atmosphere of a seaside city," he added.
Awatif Akour, GAM assistant director, said that palm trees need a great amount of care and continuous pruning.
"The Washingtonia palm trees grow to a great height... As a result, they demand continuous and costly treatment," said Akour.
When not pruned, she added, the trees attract insects and gather dirt on their dry leaves.
She told The Jordan Times that such trees serve only for decorative purposes, and do not have any functional use.
"They do not even provide shade during summer due to the lack of thick greenery, unlike the local trees GAM wants to plant instead," Akour added.
Palm trees line some of the city's major thoroughfares.
In May 2005, GAM planted nearly 80 six-metre high palm trees in the median stretching from Sweileh Circle on Queen Rania Street all the way to GAM headquarters in Ras Al Ain, as well as on Batha Street in the Northern Hashemi area.
Juwainat stressed that GAM is also concerned with removing olive trees from the sidewalks as well.
"These pavements are classified as part of the streets, which gives the municipality the right to manage their upkeep," said Juwainat.
He commented that it is inappropriate to plant olive trees on sidewalks as they have short trunks that block the walkways.
In addition, some people produce oil with the olives from these trees -- which according to Juwainat is highly toxic because of vehicle emissions, which make it unfit for human consumption.
The uprooted olive trees will be taken to a special plantation in eastern Amman, under the "combating desertification projects," Akour explained.
"The ideal trees to be planted on sidewalks should be more than two metres highn and have long trunks. Preferably seasonal plants that won't block sunlight from the houses and pavements during the winter," said Akour.
They should also be deep-rooted trees so as not to damage the homes and sidewalks as the plants grow, she added.
Akour advised that suitable kinds of trees to be planted on the sidewalks include elms, linden trees, Robinia, crape myrtle, Melia, Grevillea and Albizzia.
GAM will plant these trees when they are at the suitable height of at least two metres.
"If we do not find the right height in our local market, [GAM] will buy them from neighbouring countries at the cost of JD50," explained Akour. They cost JD80 locally.
Akour stressed the importance of citizens cooperating with the GAM to preserve the trees when once they are planted.
She advised that wrong pruning "could kill the new trees."
GAM provides people with the suitable tress for sidewalks, and will provide staff to plant and maintain them.
Citizens can call the municipality at 06 463 5713 or e-mail GAM at info@ammanity.gov.jo for more information.
By Rula Samain
© Jordan Times 2006
