Survey of benefits and constraints of urban trees in Kaduna Metropolis

This study was used to assess public opinion of the economic and ecological importance of various tree species in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna state. A total of one hundred (100) questionnaires were randomly administered among four purposively selected towns (Angwa-Rimi and Kawo new extension in Kaduna North and Bar’nawa and Sabo in Kaduna South) within the two major local governments in the study area. Twenty-five (25) questionnaires were randomly distributed across age and sex in each of the four (4) selected towns. Of these, ninety were retrieved for analysis. Data analysis was achieved through descriptive analysis. This included frequency distribution tables, percentages and charts. The results show that the majority of the respondents were aged between (21-30) and (31-40) years, these figures representing (44.4%) and (30.0%), respectively, of the entire study population. In addition, most had secondary education (53.3%). In the stated opinions, Meliaceae occur most often. Other trees species identified in the study area include Eucalyptus spp, Azadiracta indica, Psidium guajava, Terminalia catapa, Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentalis, Khaya senegalensis, Gmelina arboria, pinus spp, Carica papaya, Moringa olifera, Gliricidia sepium, Ficus spp, Afzelia spp, Balanite eagyptiaca, Borassus aethiopum, Persae americana, Polyantha longifolia etc. The following characteristics mark these tree species out as being economically and ecologically important: fast growth, deep rooting pattern, coppicing ability, ability to produce large crown size, tolerance to adverse weather condition, ability of trees to produce broad leaves for shade production, erosion protection, ability to provide fruits, aesthetics and beautification values. In conclusion, urban tree planting is a potential strategy to ameliorate ecological and economic concerns; thus, there is need for the dwellers in the study area to intensify efforts towards planting trees around their houses. Without this, the influx of people, urbanization and industrialization will create deleterious environmental conditions in the study area. It is recommended that efforts to make the populace aware of the economic and ecological significance of urban trees be intensified.