South Korean city's 'heart trees' draw criticism for excessive pruning

A "heart-shaped tree avenue" in Cheongju, South Korea, recently recognized by the Forestry Service as an excellent example of street tree management, is now under fire for its extreme pruning practices. The avenue, located in front of the Cheongju City Hall's temporary building, consists of 41 ginkgo trees shaped into hearts by a landscaping company hired by the city.

“

The heart tree avenue, the main trunk and branches seem to have been cut too severely. Even if they look okay now, they may become vulnerable to pests and diseases or have problems with growth due to impaired photosynthesis. I don't understand why the Forestry Service, a national agency, selected such severe pruning as an excellent case.

Environmental groups and arborists have voiced concerns over the severe pruning. Lee Jae-heon, an arborist, stated that the main trunks and branches appear to have been cut too aggressively. He warned that while the trees might look fine now, such excessive pruning could hinder photosynthesis, making them vulnerable to pests and diseases, and potentially impacting their growth. He questioned why the Forestry Service selected such severe pruning as an exemplary case.

Lee Seong-woo, policy director at the Cheongju-Chungbuk Environmental Movement Federation, expressed worry that other local governments might imitate this practice. He noted that while using street trees for urban landmarks and scenery is understandable, the "heart trees" are too extreme. He added that severe pruning negatively affects not only the trees but also the citizens.

“

It's understandable to use street trees for urban landmarks, sights, and scenery, but the heart trees are too extreme. I am concerned that other local governments might imitate this. Severe pruning of street trees is not good for the trees or for citizens.

Despite the criticism, Cheongju city officials are considering creating a second "heart tree avenue" along Sajik-daero, involving about ten more trees. Kim Sang-in, a representative from the Cheongju City Forestry and Environment Team, defended the practice, arguing that ginkgo trees are relatively hardy and can withstand such pruning without significant harm to their growth. He also pointed out that the "heart tree avenue" has become a popular attraction since its creation, drawing dozens to hundreds of visitors on weekends, suggesting that additional such projects are worth considering.

“

Ginkgo trees are relatively hardy species that do not suffer significant harm to their growth from pruning. The reduction in shade space from this level of pruning is also not significant. While I understand the criticism from environmental groups, the 'heart tree avenue' has become popular since its creation, attracting tens to hundreds of people on weekends, so we are considering additional creations.