Why Do Cities Plant Male Trees?

In many cities, it's common to see rows of trees lining the streets, parks, and other public areas. But have you ever noticed that most of these trees are male? That's right – city planners often choose male trees over females for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons why:

1. Male Trees Don't Produce Messy Fruit

One of the biggest reasons why cities opt for male trees is because they don't produce messy fruit. Female trees, on the other hand, produce seeds, nuts, and other fruit that can fall onto sidewalks and roads, creating a mess and requiring extra cleanup. By selecting male trees, cities can avoid this hassle and keep their streets and parks looking clean and pristine.

2. Male Trees Produce Less Pollen

Another reason why cities plant male trees is because they produce less pollen than female trees. This can be beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, as high pollen counts can exacerbate their symptoms. By choosing male trees, cities can help mitigate this issue and create a more pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy.

3. Male Trees Are Typically Taller and More Symmetrical

In general, male trees tend to grow taller and have a more symmetrical shape than females. This makes them an aesthetically pleasing choice for city planners, who are often looking to create a uniform appearance when planting trees along streets and in parks. Additionally, tall trees can help provide shade and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and pavement, which can ultimately lower energy costs.

4. Male Trees Can Be Grafted to Produce More Varieties

Finally, male trees are often preferred because they can be grafted to produce more varieties. Grafting involves taking a piece of one tree and attaching it to the trunk of another tree. Male trees are ideal for this technique because they don't have to worry about producing fruit, which can create compatibility issues when trying to graft different varieties together. By grafting male trees, cities can create a wider range of tree species and help ensure genetic diversity for their urban forests.

Conclusion

While there are certainly benefits to planting male trees in cities, it's important to note that female trees are also important for maintaining a healthy urban forest. Female trees can provide food and habitat for wildlife, and they can also help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants. Therefore, a mix of both male and female trees is often the best approach when creating an urban forest that is both functional and beautiful.