Trees Are Not Your Marketing Tool: Snabbit, Respect Karnataka State Before You Brand Your Company.

During my recent ground inspection in Bengaluru, I documented multiple advertisement boards tied to roadside trees using steel wires. The boards, promoting a home-service company that provides manpower for house cleaning and maintenance, were fastened directly around tree trunks. The use of metal wires on living trees raises environmental concerns. Such practices can injure bark, restrict growth, and weaken the tree over time. Urban trees are a critical part of the city’s ecosystem and are protected under municipal norms. As per the regulations of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), affixing advertisement boards, banners, or posters to trees without written permission is prohibited. Trees are considered public property and cannot be used as marketing infrastructure. The contradiction is evident. A company that provides manpower to keep homes clean must also recognize its responsibility toward keeping public spaces clean. Cleanliness cannot be limited to private interiors while public streets are burdened with unauthorized displays. Greater Bengaluru officials continue their efforts to maintain cleanliness and remove illegal hoardings. However, when companies adopt improper advertising practices, it often results in civic authorities facing public criticism. The company is hereby advised to instruct its marketing teams to immediately remove any boards or materials affixed to public trees. Public greenery is not a promotional asset. If such practices continue or are repeated, appropriate legal action will be pursued in accordance with applicable laws.