The Chennai Corporation is likely to remove old exotic trees that line avenues and use the same space to plant indigenous trees, which are better suited for local soil conditions. The move is aimed at preventing tree falls during the monsoon.

The indigenous trees include tamarind, jamun, ilanthai and mahilam. Saplings are likely to be planted on a number of roads during the rainy season. The Corporation has asked Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to prepare a tree registry on each of the roads in the city. TNAU is set to suggest suitable tree species for each of the roads based on the dimensions of stormwater drains, utilities and the width of the carriageway.

TNAU will also suggest the ideal ratio of exotic to native trees along city roads.

Presently, over 70 per cent of trees along roads are exotic and unfit. Exotics will be restricted to a few parks, institutions or botanical gardens.