Are Eucalyptus trees good for the environment?

An image of Eucalyptus trees. Credit: Wikipedia
Eldoret, Kenya
February 12, 2025 12:44am CST
Most rural and semi-rural settlements are marked with planted trees, especially of foreign origin. In Kenya, many homesteads have planted trees, which more often than not, are Eucalyptus (of South African origin.) Many environmentalists claim that such trees tend to consume too much water and turn the area in which they stand unfavourable for agriculture. What is your take on this? Are these trees good for the environment? Or should they be avoided at all costs?
9 people like this
9 responses
@rakski (135632)
• Philippines
12 Feb
trees as a whole is good for the environment
3 people like this
@rakski (135632)
• Philippines
19 Mar
@SIDIKIMPOLE thank you
• Eldoret, Kenya
14 Mar
I agree with you
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (114957)
• Marion, Ohio
12 Feb
I guess it would depend what area you are in.
3 people like this
• Eldoret, Kenya
12 Feb
I believe you are right..
3 people like this
@celticeagle (173530)
• Boise, Idaho
12 Feb
They are invasive and if an area is in a drought they probably don't help much because they do demand alot of water. I think koala bears may be the only ones who truly like them.
2 people like this
• Eldoret, Kenya
12 Feb
That is funny but probably right!
2 people like this
@Shavkat (140405)
• Philippines
12 Feb
All I know is that all trees bring essential benefits to us. In my city, some old folks believe that it can treat some illnesses.
3 people like this
• Eldoret, Kenya
14 Mar
That is absolutely true
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (143578)
• Roseburg, Oregon
12 Feb
Trees give you oxygen that you need.
2 people like this
• Eldoret, Kenya
12 Feb
Sure but there's this species, Eucalyptus. I am told it does more harm than good.
2 people like this
@grenery8 (16105)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
13 Feb
i think they should be helpful, like almost any tree.
2 people like this
• Eldoret, Kenya
14 Mar
Thanks for your opinion.
2 people like this
@kareng (72856)
• United States
15 Mar
I would think it would depend on the area, since all areas are not alike. Is there a local agriculture department to consult about this?
1 person likes this
@kareng (72856)
• United States
15 Mar
• Eldoret, Kenya
15 Mar
There is but unfortunately, not effective
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351458)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Feb
I guess it depends on the area and on the type of eucalypt. The Australian outback has very little water but many eucalypts seem to survive there.
2 people like this
• India
12 Feb
Eucalyptus trees doe grow fast compared to other trees. They provide good timber at same time they are known for their high-water consumption. This could negatively impact the local water bodies; in case the water is scarce in the area. It can also impact the soil quality as well. In areas where water is not easily available, they might not be the best choice to start with and they could make the land unsuitable even for agriculture or agriculture-based farming. A better and balance method would be to plant a mix of native and non-native trees that can provide similar benefits, without impacting the environment. The local agricultural office should be able to give more information on this and they could suggest based on the soil quality as well.
2 people like this