B.Batbold, who sponsors a program on TV9 channel to encourage viewers to plant trees in their yard to make the city greener, feels that most of the trees planted every year in Ulaanbaatar do not survive because of lack of proper care and because the wrong species are selected. Officials in charge of tree planting projects are happy to show that the money has been spent, without caring to choose the right trees or to ensure they are nurtured to grow.
He admits there are problems as the soil in Ulaanbaatar is not good and there is not always enough water. But it is also true that saplings imported from China are not adaptable to the climate here. He suggests the money for the program should first be spent on accumulating water, preparing healthy soil, buying equipment and training specialists.