Hundreds of royal areca trees on Lenin Avenue were cut down, what did the authorities say?

Hundreds of royal areca trees have been cut down on Le Nin Avenue – one of the central and most beautiful streets in Vinh City, Nghe An. While authorities have affirmed that cutting down the trees is necessary to ensure aesthetics and traffic safety, many people are surprised and regretful at the absence of the trees that have been associated with the city’s appearance for decades.

In recent days, many people participating in traffic as well as people living on both sides of Lenin Avenue - the main road connecting Vinh city center with Vinh airport area were surprised to see a series of areca palm trees on the median strip of the road being cut down. After only a few days, the lush green leaves that once shaded the road disappeared, giving way to bare areca palms in the summer sun.

Lenin Avenue has a long row of areca trees planted in the median strip. Photo: Quang An

According to the reporter, tree felling occurred sporadically along the section from Hai Thuong Lan Ong intersection to Vinh airport intersection. There were sections where the trees were completely removed, leaving only bare stumps stuck to the median strip.

In recent days, many areca trees on this route have been cut down. Photo: Quang An

Currently, only the section from the customs roundabout to the intersection with Nguyen Sy Sach Street still has the same number of trees, however, it is expected to be cut in the near future. Preliminary statistics show that about 200 areca palm trees were cut down during this renovation.

For many locals, the row of areca palms has become a familiar part of the urban landscape. Planted decades ago, this row of areca palms can grow up to 10m high, symbolizing endurance and silence over time.

It is estimated that about 200 areca trees were cut down. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Nguyen Trung Hung, a resident of Ha Huy Tap ward, shared: “I pass this road every day, familiar with the areca trees from when they were small until they grew tall and shaded the entire median strip. Now, looking at only the bare stumps, I feel so disappointed. The trees are like a part of the city’s memories, of many people’s childhoods...”.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phong - Director of Vinh City Investment and Construction Project Management Board said that cutting down and replacing the areca palm trees is part of the project to renovate and upgrade Le Nin Avenue that has been implemented in recent years.

Currently, only the section from the customs roundabout to Nguyen Sy Sach Street has intact trees. Photo: Quang An

“In fact, these areca trees are old, have small canopies, and have little ability to provide shade. Furthermore, during storms or strong winds, many areca palms suddenly fall onto the road, posing a potential risk of causing accidents if road users do not handle the situation in time,” said Mr. Phong.

Lenin Avenue will pass through 3 wards of Truong Vinh and Vinh Phu from July 1, 2025. It is expected that after the new localities come into operation, they will calculate to choose the type of tree to replace the areca trees on this route; the new type of tree requires aesthetics, good coverage, safety and sustainability in the harsh weather conditions of the area.

Old, weak areca palms often fall unexpectedly onto the road, posing a potential danger to road users. Photo: Quang An

Technically, the representative of the Vinh City Investment and Construction Project Management Board said that the Areca palm is a tree with a straight trunk and little canopy, not suitable for creating shade or blocking dust for large, busy roads such as Lenin Avenue. Replacing the tree is necessary to serve the long-term goal of a smart, modern city.

View of Lenin Avenue after the areca trees were removed. Photo: Quang An

In the context of many other streets in Vinh City being invested in and renovated, people expect that the new wards that will come into operation from July 1, 2025 will have a reasonable choice of green trees that are both durable and beautiful, ensuring safety and long-term value in terms of landscape. In fact, Nguyen Van Cu and Le Hong Phong streets, after replacing new trees with rosewood and purple-flowered trees, have created a mark on the landscape in recent times.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/hang-tram-cay-cau-vua-tren-dai-lo-le-nin-bi-chat-bo-co-quan-chuc-nang-noi-gi-10301221.html