How does the poet describe the growth of a tree over the years? What are the different steps taken for killing the tree?

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2.(a)How does the poet describe the growth of a tree over the years? What are the different steps taken for killing the tree?

Ans: In the first stanza of the poem, "On Killing a Tree", Gieve Patel gives a description of the growth of a tree. According to him, a tree grows slowly consuming the earth. When it rises out of the earth, it feeds upon the top layer of the earth. It produces its food by absorbing years of sunlight, air and water. This food reaches all parts of the tree helping it grow up. Therefore, it may be said that the tree grows gradually having taken all the nutrients from the earth as well as the atmosphere. The poet gives a graphic description of the growth of a tree in order to suggest its vigour and strength.

In order to kill a tree, it needs to be uprooted. It should be roped, tied and pulled out entirely from the anchoring earth. Then it must be exposed to the sun and air for scorching and choking. When the roots turn brown, hard, twisted and withered , the tree is finally killed.