TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien County councilors have criticized the pruning techniques for trees in Ji'an Township, which have left some trees devoid of leaves.
Council members said improper pruning harms trees and affects the local landscape, leaving it unsightly. The township office responded that leaves from street trees can become slippery on rainy days and can cause accidents, leaving them with no choice but to prune branches.
DPP Hualien County Councilor Chang Mei-hui (張美慧) questioned municipal authorities about pruning techniques that leave freshly cut tree limbs unprotected from pests and disease with no wound treatment or covering. Chang urged the municipal government to establish regulations regarding the pruning of street trees, per CNA.
Ji'an Township said pruning was done at the request of residents, who warned that leaves falling on the street could pose a safety hazard. The township said much of the pruning work focused on removing leaves while leaving old branches.
The township office added that each tree has a different pruning method and schedule, which corresponds with the flowering period of the tree. Furthermore, sanitation crews take training courses in tree pruning, and many have related certificates.
However, Li Pi-feng (李碧峰), a lecturer at Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Landscape Architecture, said crude pruning not only makes trees look unsightly but will also cause the main branch of the tree to weaken, making them more prone to pests and disease, with trees becoming less healthy and unsafe.
Li added that it was important to apply bandages or medicinal protection to tree wounds with a diameter of more than three centimeters. He hoped the county government could organize more education for tree pruning as well as conduct tests associated with pruning certification.
In response, the Hualien County Government said it respects the opinions and views of all citizens and NGOs associated with the environment. Regarding future tree pruning, it will formulate a policy based on environmental needs as well as manpower and budget.
