Trees possess a special magic that transcends their visual presence. They not only adorn a place but infuse it with tranquility and calm. This beauty takes on a deeper dimension with ancient trees, which carry in their trunks the memory of several centuries. Some types of ancient trees embark on exceptional journeys when they are transplanted from their native habitat to a new location, such as trees planted in Dubai that are thousands of years old. They become not merely an aesthetic element added to the city but a living piece of history that stores in its details the imprints of time and its transformations. Anas Hamwi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of 'Green Trend Landscape', stated: 'We have an olive tree that is 2,500 years old, and this type is considered rare. Ancient trees are available in several countries around the world, as is the case in Greece and Palestine, where some olive trees are up to 5,000 years old. However, those trees are in natural reserves.'Regarding the journey of acquiring such species, Hamwi explained to 'Emirates Today' that they conduct extensive research on tree species before bringing them to the UAE. Through research and experimentation, they confirmed that by ensuring certain characteristics like fertilizer, soil, and water, trees can adapt to their new environment. He noted that he has observed some trees grow better in the UAE than in their original habitat.He pointed out that acquiring and transporting trees requires many arrangements, starting from finding and caring for them to the logistics. Ancient trees are not found in nurseries that produce trees from a few months to five years old. Trees older than 50 years are obtained from their owners who plant them in their homes, and in most cases, they have been inherited through generations. Trees that exist in nature cannot be bought, except in some countries that allow it to use the proceeds for projects combating desertification.Necessary testsHamwi mentioned that after finding an ancient tree, it is essential to conduct the necessary tests to confirm it is free of diseases, in addition to providing treatments to prevent it from catching some diseases due to attracting insects during transport. He stressed that the trees brought in go through a state of shock from being moved from their home to a new place, and this shock can last for six months. Afterwards, work is done on their roots and they are given full care until they adapt to the place, a process that takes between one and three years to be ready for sale.Regarding the logistics of bringing in the trees, Hamwi indicated the need to obtain permits and approvals from the countries from which the trees are imported. There are also some logistical arrangements in the countries where the trees will be brought, starting from approvals to the method of transport. They are shipped by sea and require specific methods of securing to prevent damage. They are then delivered from the port via trucks specially designed for transporting trees. He pointed out that some trees weigh in tons and require open trucks and the help of police to secure the path the vehicle carrying the tree takes.ChallengesAs for the challenges specific to ancient trees, Hamwi explains that the specific adaptation is slower the older the tree is, while younger trees are more adaptable. An ancient tree is used to a specific soil and adapted to certain types of insects, as well as the weather and the way the sun rises and sets, in addition to summer and winter seasons. He emphasized that despite all the challenges, these trees are distinguished by being a living piece of history, as there are trees that are thousands of years old.He clarified that the criteria for selecting trees to be brought to the UAE come from research that provides a percentage of the tree's ability to adapt to the country's climate. The types of trees brought to the UAE vary, with olive trees ranking first, of various ages, one of which dates back 2,500 years. He described the olive tree as one of the most beautiful trees, as it is highly adaptable and enjoys green leaves throughout the year, and there is a consensus on its love in different countries.In addition to the olive tree, some trees that produce gardenia throughout the year and the 'baobab', which is considered an ancient tree and is characterized by its large size, are brought in, in addition to other ancient cacti and more.As for the customers of ancient trees, Hamwi revealed that they are not only real estate developers or major institutions, but also individuals who love this type of tree. They are mostly looking for trees to place in their homes because they adorn the place and give them a beautiful feeling. He stressed that ancient trees, when adapted to the climate, do not require much care, except for some that require special handling. He explained that their nursery is open for visitors, where it provides information about the types of trees and their ages, which serves to spread information and education, and benefits the society.Country's climateAnas Hamwi denied the belief of some that the UAE's climate does not allow the growth of many trees, or that the olive tree dies in the summer in the UAE, adding: 'Experiments have proven that the climate here in the UAE gives many trees the ability to live, especially since the winter is moderate.' He indicated that fruit-bearing trees require a lot of care, while ornamental trees are easier to take care of.
