Over 5,000 people engaged in tree-planting efforts in Chisinau

Over 5,000 people, mostly municipality workers, were involved in tree-planting and greening activities on Saturday, October 29, planting roughly 25,000 trees and shrubs, Info-Prim Neo reports. “There are around 3,000 people engaged in the city and over 5,000 in the entire municipality. The young trees that will be planted today include maple, linden, acacia and ash, and the shrubs include spirea and Japanese quince”, said Eliferie Haruta, the director of the Green Spaces Association. Fruit trees are excluded because they require a higher degree of maintenance, in addition to being a hazard for children. Eliferie Haruta went on to add that the number of those who volunteered was higher than expected and there weren't enough spades for all. “If the weather grows frosty in the near future, the young trees won't be affected because we plant them deep in the ground”, assured Haruta. The sum of 1 million lei was allocated this year from the Ecological Fund for this annual nationwide campaign during which 250,000 young trees and shrubs are expected to be planted. The campaign takes place annually since 1995, in conformity with a presidential decree. Earlier the National Greening Day fell on the first Saturday of April, but because the efficiency was low, it was decided to transfer the campaign to the last Saturday of October. The autumn growing period lasts longer than the spring one, which allows the young trees to grow roots better.