Beware of trees falling during the storm season

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - According to the report of the Department of Construction, as of early 2025, the number of shade trees (urban trees) managed and cared for in urban areas in the province is about 367,089 trees, of which more than 75,000 are shade trees on the streets. Particularly in the wards of the old Thanh Hoa city (now Hac Thanh, Ham Rong, Nguyet Vien, Quang Phu wards...), there are about 40,000 trees planted on sidewalks of streets and parks. Trees in the central wards are planted by people, local authorities, and related units at different times, so they are quite diverse in species, providing shade, beautifying the streets, and improving the living environment. However, during the rainy and stormy season, the fear of trees falling also poses many potential safety risks.

Functional units trim trees on Duong Dinh Nghe Street (Hac Thanh Ward) before the storm season.

Remember in September 2024, storm No. 3 (storm Yagi) did not directly hit our province, but heavy rain and strong winds caused hundreds of shade trees on roads such as Tran Phu, Dinh Cong Trang, Le Thanh Tong, Duong Dinh Nghe, Le Loi Avenue, Lam Son Square area... to be uprooted and broken. Notably, at that time, a young man driving a motorbike on the road, when moving through Quang Trung Street, Dong Ve Ward (old), was crushed by a fallen tree and could not escape. Fortunately, the authorities arrived in time, coordinated with people to rescue and take the victim to the hospital for emergency treatment. Also in the early morning of that day, many roads were partially blocked due to fallen trees blocking the road. Thanh Hoa Urban Environment and Construction Joint Stock Company had to mobilize forces to quickly handle the number of uprooted and broken trees. At that time, many people also thought that the main reason why many trees fell was because the branches were not pruned or the height was not lowered.

In fact, in recent years, on central streets, Thanh Hoa Urban Environment and Construction Joint Stock Company has planted, cared for and managed the green tree system under contracts with competent State agencies. In 2025 alone, the company signed a contract to trim and lower the height of about 1,500 urban green trees, mainly concentrated on streets in central wards. These are trees with heavy canopies, leaning trees, trees with dry branches, rotten trees, and crooked canopies... The unit has coordinated to survey and evaluate the situation, focusing on trimming according to the correct techniques, balancing the canopy to ensure shade and limit the risk of falling during heavy rains and strong winds. The unit also proactively braces and protects the green tree system to grow and develop well. Develop a plan to coordinate with local functional units to prepare human resources, machinery, and be on standby, ready to handle unexpected incidents, and promptly clear away broken or fallen trees after rain or storms.

According to Mr. Le Xuan Hoang, specialist in charge of green parks, Planning, Engineering, and Materials Department (Thanh Hoa Urban Environment and Construction Joint Stock Company), said: "Up to now, the unit has trimmed and lowered the height of about 1,000 trees. The company is continuing to carry out the work, striving to complete over 80% of the assigned volume before the rainy and stormy season."

Fallen trees in urban areas pose a potential risk to people's lives and property. Therefore, trimming trees neatly and reinforcing them before the rainy season to prevent them from falling is necessary, especially when the rainy season is approaching. However, each year, the number of trees that are trimmed and their height is limited, mostly concentrated on a few central roads, while the actual number of trees that need trimming is much larger.

Faced with that reality, it is required that relevant units need to strengthen inspection, survey, and early detection of dangerous trees to take timely measures to ensure the safety of the urban tree system as well as the safety of the community. People also need to be more responsible in protecting trees in front of their houses and offices, and participate in preventing acts that affect the growth and development of trees. When detecting trees at risk of falling, it is necessary to promptly notify the tree management agency for inspection, handling, and prevention of unfortunate incidents that may suddenly occur.

Article and photos: Viet Huong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/de-phong-cay-xanh-gay-do-trong-mua-mua-bao-255322.htm