TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The removal of roadside trees Tuesday in New Taipei has drawn concern from residents and environmental groups, prompting officials to pledge green compensation measures tied to a new social housing project.

Nineteen trees in Zhonghe District were taken down to clear space for a new construction site that will include social housing units, a Banqiao Motor Vehicles Supervision Station branch, a daycare center, community gathering areas, green parks, and public parking facilities. According to the Landscaping Office, expert assessments determined that the trees posed potential safety risks.

A detailed inspection revealed structural issues such as root injury, root flare swelling, decayed or hollow trunks, poor wound healing, and leaning growth patterns. These problems led to the removal of 18 camphor trees and one green maple, per CNA.

To offset the environmental impact, the project contractor is required to plant 30 replacement trees as part of the city’s green compensation plan. The new plantings will include 12 Formosan ash, 13 common elaeocarpus, and five Formosan sweetgum trees.

The contractor must also repair any pavement damaged during root removal.

Environmental advocates, however, have expressed concern over the broader pattern of tree removal in urban development. Pan Han-chiang (潘翰疆), secretary-general of a national tree protection association, noted that transplanting trees requires careful preparation, including root pruning and a recovery period of six months to a year.

Pan also pointed to the lack of long-term planning in street tree management, from initial species selection to maintenance, warning that inadequate care can lead to sidewalk damage and safety hazards. Environmental groups continue to call on city authorities to prioritize tree preservation and ensure that newly planted trees are given proper conditions to thrive.