Native Trees Outperform Invasive Species in Carbon Storage

A recent study conducted on the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus revealed that native tree species offer superior ecological benefits, particularly in carbon storage, compared to invasive varieties. Invasive trees such as subabul and vilayati kikar store substantially less carbon than native species like chamror, karanj, and amaltas. The study, published in 'Discover Cities' in December 2025, highlights that while roadside trees effectively reduce air temperatures by up to 2.24°C and land surface temperatures by as much as 8.37°C, the long-term advantages are greater with native flora.

Researchers emphasized the importance of managing invasive species in urban green spaces and prioritizing the plantation of native species. These native trees not only improve thermal comfort and carbon capture but also help mitigate air pollution more effectively. Evergreen native species are particularly recommended for their year-round carbon removal and ability to trap roadside dust. The findings advocate for integrating invasive species management into urban green space policies for sustained ecological benefits.