Investigations were carried out to review tree planting activities within the Lagos Island Local Government Area
of Nigeria. The city is a center of commercial activity within a hot tropical environment. Efforts have been made
by both governmental and private bodies to promote tree planting within the area in mitigating the effects of
urbanization on the environment particularly in the area of climate change. However, it became necessary to assess
the tree planting activities so as to properly place its achievements and positive contributions to the environment.
The review is also to highlight the areas where more efforts are needed. An enumeration of existing trees was
carried out with the aim of assessing the distribution, specie types and density of coverage. A handheld GPS device
was used to acquire the coordinates of trees which were then mapped. Further analysis using GIS was done.
Interviews with tree planting officials and public volunteers were also carried out. A total of 293 trees was
identified within the study area which is about 8.7 km2
in size. The result indicates a paucity of trees in the area
despite the various tree planting efforts. A high mortality rate of trees was observed. Further findings indicated that
the public’s desire to support, manage and maintain the planted trees was poor. It was observed that the tree
planting activities were seen as a curse rather than a blessing by market men and women within the study area. This
study suggests more public enlightenment and that edible species should be planted in place of exotic ones being
used.