Taipei Park Office Investigates Tree-Cutting Rumors, Cites Safety Concerns

Taipei City's Park Management Office is taking a firm stance against online rumors alleging the excessive felling of trees, with some claims suggesting over 4,000 were cut to facilitate drone operations. The office has initiated evidence collection to counter what it terms "fake news" that distorts facts and incites public panic, potentially violating the Social Order Maintenance Act.

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The office is collecting evidence against the rumors, which violate the Social Order Maintenance Act.

Officials assert that tree removal is primarily for public safety, citing natural causes like death, decay, disease, and damage from past typhoons as the reasons for most of the 3,164 trees removed last year. Over 80% of these removals were attributed to natural factors, with less than 20% due to accidents like vehicle collisions or root damage to infrastructure. The office also highlighted the impact of Typhoon Conroy in 2024, which toppled 2,800 trees, causing property damage and disrupting commutes.

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Over 80% of the 3,164 trees removed last year were due to natural causes such as death, decay, disease, or natural disasters.

To address concerns about tree loss, the Park Management Office detailed specific cases, explaining that trees in Yongkang Community, Minsheng Community, and Xinhe Elementary School were removed due to advanced decay or diagnosed root rot, posing a risk of falling, especially during typhoons. Other instances involved private land where tree species were changed or where tree roots were damaging pavement. The office also stressed that while 3,164 trees were removed for safety reasons, the city plans to plant over 13,225 new trees between 2025 and 2026 through various city departments.

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Pruning trees is for public safety, not for the malicious fantasies of some individuals about drones.