VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi aims to replace more than 4,000 xa cu (African mahogany, scientific name Khaya senegalensis) trees in the city at risk of falling down, threatening the safety of citizens in the stormy season.

Ha Noi is famous for its tree-lined streets. For infrastructure development, particularly widening roads, the city has to remove hundreds of trees.

The statement was made at a conference on Wednesday between the municipal Department of Construction and scientists and experts on if the city should plant more African mahogany trees.

Currently, there are more than 4,000 African mahogany trees in the city. Many are located in inner districts and on key roads such as Hoang Dieu, Le Hong Phong, Hoang Van Thu, Hoang Hoa Tham, La Thanh and Yen Phu.

African mahogany trees have large branches and easily fall down in bad weather.

Nguyen Xuan Hanh, deputy director of Ha Nôoi Green Tree and Park One Member Co Ltd, said that most of the trees were not tended to regularly, allowing them to grow naturally, reaching for light with tilted and curved branches, affecting the city’s beauty.

African mahogany trees do not have high economic value. In addition, the roots need a lot of space to develop while the city’s pavements are narrow with much underground construction. This affects the solidity of the trees and make them easily fall.

Dao Ngoc Nghiem, vice chairman of Ha Noi Association of Urban Planning and Development, said that African mahogany trees should not be planted in the city as their roots impact infrastructure, the beauty of the city and pavements.

However, he said, the city needed to conduct careful surveys, classify rotten trees and consider preserving African mahogany trees in some areas.

PhD Pham Van Dien, former director of the University of Agriculture suggested that the city assign a group to conduct surveys, collect information, build the plan and collect opinions from the public before implementing it.

Vo Nguyen Phong, director of the construction department said the department would report to the city’s People’s Committee on the status of the African mahogany trees and the impacts of biochemical soil on the city.

VNS