Street tree roots damage homes, residents pay for repairs

In Jeonju, South Korea, residents are grappling with the unintended consequences of roadside trees that have grown for nearly three decades. The mature lacebark elms, planted between 1995 and 1997, are causing significant problems as their extensive root systems damage sidewalks, underground sewage pipes, and gas lines. Residents report having to pay for repairs out of their own pockets annually.

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It's nice to look at in the summer, but in the fall, it's hell. Not only that, but the tree roots spread so much that people like me and those in the buildings here have to pay for repairs every year.

"It's nice to look at in the summer, but in the fall, it's hell," said Choi Yeon-su, a 10-year resident. "Not only that, but the tree roots spread so much that people like me and those in the buildings here have to pay for repairs every year." Choi added that despite numerous complaints to the city, the response has been limited to replacing damaged pavement.

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The city's shift from full maintenance to selective maintenance is positive, but we must move beyond simply removing problematic trees.

The city initially considered a full overhaul, including replacing or removing 145 lacebark elms in the Seogok district. However, they have since proposed a selective maintenance plan, focusing on 74 trees while leaving 71 intact. This plan targets trees causing issues with pavement uplift or those close to utility poles. Residents pushing for a more thorough solution have voiced opposition to this selective approach.

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Older trees can suffer significant root damage during transplantation and are less suited for it than younger trees. We should avoid severe pruning and apply different pruning methods for each tree and road.

Discussions are underway to find a balance between preserving the trees, which contribute to the city's greenery, and addressing the residents' daily inconveniences. Experts emphasize viewing the trees not just as infrastructure but as living elements integral to the urban environment. They suggest alternatives like root barriers and creating larger growing spaces to mitigate damage while keeping the trees intact. The goal is to develop long-term management policies for aging city trees, moving beyond reactive removal to proactive, sustainable coexistence.

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We will seek ways to protect residents' living environments while minimizing tree felling, in cooperation with experts and civil society. We will also establish sustainable management directions for planned city street trees over 30 years old, using the Seogok district case as a starting point.