Tree Rescue at Mercury Apartments

Trees exhale so that we can inhale and stay alive. It is because trees are, that we are!

A mango tree in our compound in Mercury, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, which had been breathing out precious oxygen for us for the past 40 years fell during the recent stormy weather. It was indeed disheartening to see it lying on the ground like that, its roots exposed to the elements. It stood tall for the last 40 years, giving us shade during sunny days and pure joy when its leaves danced in the breeze and numerous birds sang from its branches. Every time I passed the fallen tree, I could hear it whispering for help. I wanted to do something but I knew I couldn’t do anything on my own. One day, I decided to give it a try. I put up a message on our society WhatsApp group, “Our tree needs help. Shall we get together and try to make it stand upright once again?” I was pleasantly surprised!! The positive response from the members boosted my confidence. The members of our Mercury society are extremely co-operative and nature friendly people. Most of them agreed the tree could be saved.

Encouraged by the favourable reactions, especially from the members of the Managing Committee, Sangeeta Harekal, Rachna Agha and Samir Shungloo, the rescue operation was initiated. I got in touch with Sanjiv Valson from Waghoba Habitat Foundation and horticulturist Viinod Mohiite who guided us through the entire process. A “Tree Rescue” WhatsApp group was formed amongst the six of us for ease of communication.

But this operation was not going to be easy, and there would be many hurdles to cross, as we were to realise during the course of time. As Sanjiv described it, it was like a critical life-saving surgery. Firstly, a substantially large amount of funds would be required for purchase of medications, fungicides and soil, hiring of labour and equipment etc. Secondly, we had to ensure that the propped-up tree would be secure enough not to fall once again, endangering lives. The cost factor seemed like the first huge hurdle. Sanjiv suggested that if equipment and labour could be sourced from the BMC, we could cut down on costs considerably. But with the on-going Ganpati festival, the BMC officials were all busy and we didn’t get any positive response from them. So, it was decided to try and raise funds internally from members of the society. We appealed to the members to put their collective might behind this rescue operation. We were in for a pleasant surprise! The response was overwhelming! We had crossed our first hurdle! The rescue operation finally began.

After some intense and fervent internal discussions and suggestions, a final plan was put in place.

Initially, the tree had to be prepared for its eventual hoisting. For this, firstly, the exposed roots needed to be protected from fungal infections. Due to the incessant rains, they were likely to contract infections, reducing the chances of the tree’s survival. So, the fungicides and other medications were promptly purchased and application began. The society watchmen lent a helping hand, going beyond their call of duty. Santosh, the society mali supervised the entire operation very keenly with his team of helpers. For all of us this was the first time we were attempting something of this scale. 

The excitement was evident. As the rains continued to lash down for the next few days, it was important to spray the fungicide regularly. Santosh and his team diligently did what was required. Secondly, the tree needed some major trimming and pruning to reduce its weight once it was hoisted back up. Though we were initially quite disheartened about the chopping of the branches, we eventually relented. There was comfort in the knowledge that the trimmed branches would eventually grow back. A chain-saw was hired. Under Viinod and Sanjiv’s supervision, some of the branches were marked for chopping. It was painful to see the chain-saw at work ☹ But it needed to be done. 

A thickish layer of fungicide was then painted onto the chopped surfaces. This application was repeated for the next couple of days.

Now that the preventive measures were taken, the next step was to prepare a strong base for harnessing the tree. For this, metal plates had to be fixed at pre-determined sites, which had to be strong enough to hold the tree in place. In addition to 2-3 brass of mud (which would likely be wet due to the weather), a few bags of dry mud would also be required to fill into the spaces near the roots. This mud would have to be mixed with a plant growth regulator and bio-stimulant to enhance root growth and nutrient absorption.

With the plates drilled into place firmly and the required quantities of dry and wet mud delivered, we were now ready to fix the day for the actual operation – that of hoisting the tree.

The task required immaculate co-ordination of all involved – members of the tree rescue group, gardeners, labourers, plus availability of medications (including insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulator and bio-stimulant) and equipment such as Hydra crane to lift the tree and chain-saws for additional trimming, if required. Multiple tools were kept ready – fawda, para, tikao, koyta, small bamboo poles for pushing soil between ropes, mini hand shovels for finer soil work, wheel barrow for carrying mud to the tree quickly while the crane holds the tree, paint brushes for applying medication, buckets and mugs for mixing, sprayer machine, etc.

The stage was set. D-day soon arrived.

Sanjiv was present at the site at 6 in the morning. I looked at the fallen tree and whispered to it, “All is well, all is well!” Viinod, Sangeeta, Rachna and myself alongwith our helpers and mali Santosh and his team, all waited in nervous anticipation. Would we succeed in our critical operation? The Hydra crane arrived at the appointed time of 7 am. As per our request to members of the society, the entrance and the entire area near the tree was kept clear of their cars and bikes. 

Sanjiv began with getting the small ornamental plants cleared from around the tree so as to ensure a clean and clear work area. Scraps of bricks, log pieces, rocks and concrete rubble were kept handy if required for reinforcing the mud mound around the tree. The labourers separated the stones from the bulk mud and filled them in gonis for piling around the trunk. The dry mud was stored in a sheltered place to ensure it remains dry and then mixed with bio-stimulants and plant growth regulator. A water pipe was connected from a tap closest to the tree. Ladder, rubber gloves, masks, etc. were kept handy.

A few students from KES Shroff College, Kandivali came to volunteer as part of their nature club activities. It was heartening to see youngsters participating in such activities. They will go back with invaluable lessons in environmental conservation.  

It was time.

The patta (belt) from the Hydra crane was fastened onto one of the top branches of the tree. As we stared at the crane in rapt attention, Viinod gave the green signal to the crane operator with a wave of his hand. 

The crank of the crane’s engine released butterflies in my tummy. It was a matter of a few seconds. With the rumbling and beeping sounds of the Hydra crane, our tree was slowly hauled up from its lying position. And there she stood, upright again, just as she was always meant to be. There was a hushed elation from all of us as we watched her grace and beauty. Our profound joy and immense happiness cannot be described in words. Soon the workers began to fill the spaces around the roots with dry medicated mud.  The remaining mud was also spread around the roots and trunk to reinforce it until a huge mound of mud was formed around the tree. Then the anchoring began. Strong ropes were tied into the metal plates which were already in place. Additional support was provided by anchoring the ropes to a couple of other stronger trees around it.

Our mission was a success!

But our work doesn’t end here. The tree needs to be monitored for the next few months for any infection or tilting. Medications will continue for some time. The ropes will have to be closely watched till the roots settle in and firm up allowing the tree to stand on its own.

We hope that our efforts to rescue a fallen tree will set an example for others to follow. We must remember, a fallen tree is not a dead tree. Every tree is worth saving. After all, it is trees that exhale the precious oxygen that we need to inhale to stay alive.

It is because trees are, that we are!

Nivedita Kotharé

10th September 2025

Many thanks to 

Sanjiv Valson from Waghoba Habitat Foundation 

and

Viinod Mohiite, Horticulturist

for their advice and guidance.

We wouldn't have been able to pull this off without you.