Best Trees to Plant in Pakistan: Neem, Sukh Chain, Shisham (Video)

Transcript

Ever wonder why planting two saplings can save your shade?

Ever wonder why planting two saplings can save your shade?

Best Native Trees

In this video we'll walk through the top native trees for Pakistan and share a simple trick that can protect your new saplings from scorching summer heat. We'll cover which species thrive where, when to plant, and how to give them a strong start, plus that little two-sapling trick that saves you a whole year if a heatwave hits.

Why native trees?

Here's the thing: native trees like neem, sukh chain and shisham have been growing here for centuries, so they shrug off 45 °C summers and love the monsoon. Conocarpus may look green fast, but it offers little to local birds or insects. Think about it, do you want a tree that feeds the ecosystem or just a quick shade?

Choosing the right tree

And this is where it gets interesting. If you live in Lahore or the hotter parts of Punjab, neem is a solid choice, tolerates salty air and intense heat. In areas with a bit of salinity and you need dense shade, sukh chain fits perfectly. For irrigated spots, shisham will thrive, though salty soil can slow its growth. Which one feels right for your yard?

Planting basics

Now, the part most people miss is the planting pit. Dig a hole about two feet by two feet by two feet, fill it once with water and let it drain, if water stays after a day, it's too wet. Mix the excavated soil with compost three to one, no fresh dung, and set the sapling level. Deep watering twice a week in the first summer beats a daily splash.

Sapling height

When you head to the nursery, look for a sapling that's three to five feet tall, standing straight with no circling roots poking out of the bag. That size gives it enough root mass to survive the first summer without being too heavy to transplant. A straight stem and healthy roots are the signs of a strong starter.

Two saplings, keep one

Now, the part most people miss is the planting pit. In hot dry cities, put two saplings of the same tree a metre apart during the monsoon. By next spring, keep the stronger one and give the other to a neighbour. Losing one to a June heatwave then doesn't cost you a whole year.

Things to avoid

What surprised me is how many common choices can backfire. Big rooted figs near walls or pipes can damage foundations. Thorny kikar is a hazard where children play. And kaner, also known as oleander, is poisonous to kids and pets, if they chew it, get medical help right away. Stick to safe, non-invasive species.

Safety checklist

Before you dig, check for underground water, gas or sewer lines, don’t risk a burst pipe. Never plant a big tree under power lines; the roots can interfere. If you spray anything on young trees, read the label, wear gloves and a mask, and keep kids and pets away until it dries. Simple steps keep everyone safe.

The one tip to save a sapling

The one tip that can make a huge difference is to plant two saplings side by side and later keep the stronger one. This simple backup means a sudden heatwave won’t wipe out your whole effort, and you’ll have a neighbour with a fresh tree to share. It’s a low-cost insurance for your garden.

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Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.