Trees fall during storm season

Urban trees are not simply shade or landscape, they are also public assets, “green infrastructure” that needs to be scientifically managed, no different from electricity, water or traffic systems. Therefore, managing trees based on emotions, lacking data and modern tools is a major limitation that many localities have not dared to overcome.

Hue has made its mark by pioneering the implementation of digital tree solutions. The city currently has nearly 70,000 street trees, reaching the highest density in the country. In particular, thousands of ancient trees and heritage trees located in the Hue Monuments Complex have both ecological value and are associated with the history and culture of the ancient capital. Therefore, protecting and managing this tree system is not only an environmental responsibility but also a heritage conservation.

The key to digitizing trees and the way Hue is managing them is to create a complete, accurate, real-time database for each tree. Thanks to that, during the rainy and stormy season, the city can be more proactive in its response plans instead of just reacting passively after the incident.

Through digitalization, management units can also detect and handle trees at risk of falling early. From there, they can make scientific prevention plans; respond quickly when incidents occur; mobilize community monitoring; and restore and replant more effectively. In other words, trees need to have a “health record” like humans to manage them in the direction of disease prevention, early treatment, quick response and sustainable recovery. This is the difference between Hue and traditional management methods.

It is not by chance that Hue chose the solution of managing trees using digital technology . The city has advantages in scientific research, information technology, along with the orientation of developing smart cities. The City Information Technology Center (HueCIT) plays an important role, together with the Hue Monuments Conservation Center and related units to build a tree data management system. Initial results show that the rate of trees with pests and diseases has decreased, the efficiency of care has been improved, and pruning and care have been more scientific.

However, we cannot ignore the challenges. Digitizing tens of thousands of trees requires large financial and human resources. Although the technology system is modern, if it is not operated regularly and updated continuously, the risk of "shelving" can occur. Experience from some localities shows that technology projects are prone to starting with great fanfare but gradually fading away due to lack of maintenance and synchronous coordination. In addition, planting new trees, choosing suitable tree species, and controlling old trees also need to be done in parallel, and cannot rely solely on technology.

More importantly, tree management should be considered as part of the overall urban planning. In other words, not only counting trees with software, but also calculating appropriately in urban design: Which street to plant which tree, what height, what distance, whether it is suitable for electricity and telecommunications infrastructure or not. Hue has begun to move towards the criteria of "each street has its own tree", keeping the unique characteristics of each street. If done properly, this will be a harmonious combination of digital technology and urban planning, creating a sustainable green identity.

Climate change, extreme weather, and increasingly unpredictable storms and floods make trees a threat if not managed well. And the only way to do that is to rely on data, technology combined with community participation to ensure that, during stormy seasons, the rows of trees on the streets are both safe for the community and preserve the shape of the green heritage city.

Article and photos: Le Tho

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/so-hoa-cay-xanh-an-toan-mua-bao-gio-157821.html