Trees play a pivotal role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem, although, it seems like humans are ignorant of this fact. Trees have been mercilessly cut down in the name of ‘development’ which has repercussions like soil erosion, lowering of the water table, silting, desertification. This has led to deeper implications including food crises, water shortages, health crises, loss of livelihood, and climate change. Afforestation could help to reverse this damage. But are planting trees enough? Is all the green really ‘green’? While planting trees is a great practice, not all trees will give the same advantages. Some end up being ornamental pieces that don’t support local biodiversity. Some introduced foreign species tend to dominate and threaten the existence of native species. There is a solution to provide a shade of greenery that serves its purpose well. It is gaining much popularity and is called the Miyawaki forest method.

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