Brian Jeffrey
The city of Hanoi faced significant challenges following Typhoon Yagi, with over 25,000 trees reported down, particularly in districts such as Hoang Mai, Long Bien, Gia Lam, Dong Anh, and Nam Tu Liem.
As of September 9, efforts to clear the debris from the storm were ongoing, yet many broken trees remained strewn across the streets. The damage to several ancient trees, tied to the city’s historical sites, has been especially lamented.
A large number of the fallen trees had shallow roots, some of which were severely cut during previous sidewalk upgrades, and others that were still encased in their original soil bags. Notable losses included historic trees on Thanh Nien Street and flame trees with compromised root systems.
On Nguyen Hoang Street, many trees exhibited shallow or newly formed horizontal roots, further indicating poor planting conditions as some still bore their soil bags.
Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Hoc, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, remarked on the inevitability of tree falls in storms. He compared the phenomenon to the power of storms capable of lifting cars and called attention to Hanoi’s ongoing challenges with tree planting methodologies.
He pointed out that numerous tree varieties planted in the city do not adapt well to urban settings, making them susceptible to damage in high winds. Species like flamboyant and Barringtonia were specifically noted for their weaknesses. He stressed the importance of better planting techniques.
Prof. Hoc advised selecting smaller, healthier trees that exhibit greater resilience to extreme weather events. Recommendations included planting these trees in deep holes (approximately 1 meter) and filling in as they mature, alongside using stakes for stability to guard against storm damage.
Architect Ngo Doan Duc, the former Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, concurred that while tree falls can be expected during storms, this situation offers a chance to reassess urban forestry practices. He underscored the necessity of choosing the right tree species for city environments and employing appropriate maintenance and pruning methods.
“Inadequate planting techniques may cause newly planted small trees to topple, while improperly pruned large trees may become uprooted,” Mr. Duc added, noting that many trees that fell during the storm had horizontal root growth patterns.
To mitigate these challenges, it’s crucial for Hanoi to enhance its tree care strategies, especially in preparation for stormy seasons. Opting for urban tree species with deep tap roots that align with local soil conditions will foster stronger, more resilient trees in the long run.
