Seventeen copperpod trees, appearing lush and healthy along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, were felled on Monday morning, prompting local residents to report the incident to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Upon receiving these reports, Tuoi Tre contacted the Ho Chi Minh City Greenery Parks Company Limited, where a representative explained that a construction unit, while renovating the sidewalk on this street, had severed some of the trees' roots, leading to the decision to cut down 17 trees.

The felled trees, which stood about 10 meters tall, were still green and healthy at the time of removal, raising concerns among residents.

The representative added that after the construction unit damaged the roots, an assessment concluded that the trees could pose safety risks during the upcoming rainy and stormy season.

As a result, the company sought permission to remove the trees and replace them with new ones.

However, the District 1 Construction Investment Project Management Board stated that the construction unit had only trimmed small surface roots, not the main roots of the trees.

Before the renovation began, the board provided the construction unit with guidelines to minimize the impact on trees, including avoiding excavation around existing tree beds, especially for large trees with leaning trunks.

During construction, the board carried out inspections and issued official documents to the renovation unit, stressing the importance of preserving the existing greenery.

The board stated it would work with the Ho Chi Minh City Greenery Parks Company Limited to strengthen inspections and take strict action against contractors who violate regulations. If such incidents persist, construction will be temporarily halted.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works, construction units responsible for sidewalk renovations that damage trees will be held accountable and face penalties.

The department recently issued a dispatch requesting that the administration of Thu Duc City – a district-level unit under Ho Chi Minh City – and other districts ensure the safety and growth of the green tree system during construction projects.​

Reports from the Technical Infrastructure Management Center, under the municipal Department of Construction, indicate that several sidewalk renovation projects have affected the city’s green tree systems, posing potential safety risks and impacting the long-term growth and development of these trees.

Therefore, the Department of Transport and Public Works has urged district authorities to direct relevant agencies to review and inspect construction plans of projects involving sidewalk renovation and upgrading.​

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