Poda Urbana nas árvores da cidade de Maputo

Abstract

The City of Maputo is considered one of the most beautiful African cities for its beauty provided by the countless tree and shrub species planted along the avenues, streets, parks, gardens and in the backyards of the city. Once well maintained and maintained, the spaces green areas of the city and its components are in a process of continuous degradation. Apparently, one of the main causes of the destruction and slow death of city trees is the way in which urban pruning is being done by municipal workers. This work presents results the study of urban pruning in the city of Maputo, namely (i) the type of pruning that is held in the city; (ii) the tools and instruments used (iii) the effects of the operation on trees; (iv) the degree of preparation of the municipality's workers for this activity and (v) suggests measures to improve the situation. To analyze urban pruning in the city of Maputo, interviews were carried out with the personnel related to this activity and dendrometric data were collected from trees Senna seamea and Pericopis angolensis, pruned in two avenues of the city, namely on the 24th of July and Kennth Kaunda in late 2009 and early 2010. The average height of the pruned trees of S. Seamea and Pericopsis angolensis were 3.9 and 4.3 m, respectively. At same order, the mean values ​​for the DAP were 61.8 and 58.7 cm, while the average length of branches, after pruning, reached 11.7 and 11.5 cm. The height of the trees of the two species is supported to have a height of less than 5 m, mainly to protect the electricity transmission lines, telephone and improve night lighting. Overall the urban pruning in Maputo is poorly done. It is made with axes and machetes. Well-pruned trees, that is, with a branch length equal to or less than 5 cm, they were 7 and 5% in Senna seamea and in Pericopsis angolensis, respectively. Most of the workers involved in this activity, lack knowledge, adequate equipment and do not master the techniques elementary to carry out urban pruning to perfection. To reverse this situation, it is urgent adequately equip the sector and train the Municipality's workers in urban pruning. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)