Planting Native Trees: A Beginner’s Guide for Urban Dwellers

Urban green spaces are shrinking, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring nature back. Native trees are adapted to local climate and soil, require less water, and support local wildlife.

Why native matters?

Native trees support local bird species, butterflies, and insects. A single native tree can host hundreds of species, while an exotic tree might support just a handful.

Best trees for Mumbai:

• Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), great for large spaces, supports birds
• Neem (Azadirachta indica), air purifier, medicinal, hardy
• Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata), fast-growing, attracts birds
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini), fruit-bearing, shade-giving

Even in a balcony, you can grow native shrubs and small trees in pots. Every plant counts.