Authorities in Hanoi, Vietnam, have planned to cut down 1,000 hoa sua trees on 13 streets after a number of residents complained about the strong scent produced by the flower during the autumn season. The decision provoked discussions about comfort versus cultural identity.
Residents are Complaining about the Flower Scent
Hanoi has more than 14,400 hoa sua trees (Alstonia scholaris). These tall trees provide a lot of shade for local residents in summer but release a very strong scent in autumn that some people find horrible.
One of those dissatisfied, Phong, said that the smell becomes unbearable in hot weather. He lives in a four-story building next to dozens of trees and has to keep all windows and doors closed to keep the smell out.
Phong even noted that the fragrance of these flowers can cause headaches and problems with breathing. He said, “If it were up to me, I would cut down all these trees”.
Many other voices of discontent have been heard on social media and in the state mass media reports. It is reported that 80% of respondents to the online media survey agreed to decrease the number of hoa sua trees.
A local resident by the name of Thanh Luong, revealed his ways of living near hoa sua. He claimed the distance of his bedroom from hoa sua trees is about 100 meters and called it a hundred-meter torture.
Hoa Sua Trees Keep Representing Hanois Cultural Values
Despite these complaints, many of the inhabitants think hoa sua must be kept because of its cultural value.
The trees have a close connection with autumn and are often mentioned in love songs and poems dedicated to Hanoi. Their fragrance is associated with the city itself by many people, forming a unique atmospheric feeling.
She also argued that the smell of the trees doesn’t cause issues at all.
The clash shows that this is more of a dilemma for the authorities than for the inhabitants.
Hanoi Is Considering the Relocation of Trees
In a statement released on Thursday, officials in Hanoi recognized that flowers of the tree species hoa sua help provide the city with its unique autumn atmosphere.
Instead of cutting down the trees, the authorities are planning to move some of them to other areas that are more favorable for settling down, and replace them with new types of plants at certain streets.
In the past, Vila has already attempted relocating hoa sua trees. In 2019, around 100 hoa sua trees were moved outside the city.
In a separate initiative in 2023, the government was unable to relocate 80 hoa sua trees located on a main road due to discontent of local residents.
Striking the Right Balance Between Comfort and Culture
While some residents see the way flora can hide unpleasant smells, others don’t want the trees to be cut because they feel that trees make a significant contribution to the character of the capital.
The advocates of preservation believe that hoa sua trees should be associated with more than just landscaping – they are a part of personal experiences, season traditions, and Hanoi culture.
While the authorities are thinking about cutting, moving, or replacing some trees, the main problem now is how to find a solution that would satisfy people without removing one of the most recognizable symbols of nature in the city.
