Nghe An requires a school that hastily cut down trees to learn from experience

Regret for the old trees being cut down

For the past 2 days, the image of 2 decades-old rosewood trees of Nghi Loc 2 High School being cut down with almost all their branches and leaves has made many generations of students and teachers regretful. The tree cutting incident probably would not have caused a reaction if the school had considered and chosen a reasonable method during the implementation process, such as only cutting down rotten, damaged trees or only pruning the branches.

The decades-old mahogany tree at Nghi Loc 2 High School has had almost all its branches and leaves trimmed. Photo: PV

Cutting down two lush, shady trees in the middle of the yard during hot weather is unreasonable. Opinions surrounding this incident also state that in schools, trees not only create landscape and shade but are also associated with the image of the school and the memories of many generations of teachers and students. Therefore, cutting down trees needs to be selective.

This act of cutting down trees without consideration also goes against the policies of the Ministry and the Department of Education and Training. Specifically, to ensure the safety of the tree system, the Department has requested that schools, during the implementation process, review and only handle trees that are leaning or have termite symptoms.

Trees after being cut down at Nghi Loc 2 High School. Photo: MH

Especially with perennial trees, it is necessary to pay attention to pruning branches, cutting off rotten or damaged branches, avoiding the situation of broken trees that can cause accidents.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Hoan - Chief of Office of the Department of Education and Training said: After this incident occurred, the Department directly worked with the school and affirmed that the school's act of cutting down old trees was inappropriate and not in line with the direction of the industry.

The school yard is bare and sunny after the trees were cut down. Photo: MH

Before cutting down trees, the school should consult with experts and have a consensus discussion within the school. We also suggest that the school learn from experience and soon have a solution to choose suitable replacement trees in the school yard.

Review all trees in school

In recent days, after the unfortunate incident in Ho Chi Minh City that left one student dead and many others injured, ensuring the safety of trees in schools has been a top priority.

In previous years, Nghi Tan Primary School (Cua Lo town) often coordinated with the authorities to review all trees and trim branches and leaves before the rainy season. However, at this time, the school is considering cutting down some old trees that could be dangerous, including two large soapberry trees, one on the left side of the school gate and one in front of a classroom.

The fact that there are many trees over 30 years old at Nghi Tan Primary School makes the school worried that it will affect the safety of children. Photo: MH

Ms. Hoang Thi Tram - Principal of Nghi Tan Primary School said: The handling of trees must be consulted with local authorities and experts. We will re-evaluate and if we consider that the tree is not really necessary, we will cut off the large branches to reassure parents and also demonstrate the school's responsibility to students.

At Nghia Hoi Primary School (Nghia Dan), after receiving the document from the Department, the school's Board of Directors also met and agreed to trim some large branches of 3 royal poinciana trees located in the middle of the school yard.

Royal poinciana trees had to have their branches trimmed at Nghia Hoi Primary School (Nghia Dan). Photo: MH

Another royal poinciana tree had to have its branches cut off at Nghia Hoi Primary School (Nghia Dan). Photo: MH

Ms. Hoang Thi Chi Lan - Principal of the school added: At this time, the royal poinciana trees are in bloom, so we really regret having to cut off the branches. However, in my opinion, this is necessary, because a few years ago, a royal poinciana tree in the school was broken, but fortunately no accident occurred.

There are also many old trees at 1/5 High School. However, instead of cutting them down completely, the school invited a tree company in Vinh City to prune them properly. Now, after 1 year, the trees are still growing normally and still ensuring the aesthetics of the school yard.

Many trees have been infested with termites for many years, so if they are not pruned, they will pose many potential dangers. Photo: MH

According to the Department of Education and Training, up to now, many schools in the province have conducted tree inspections and some schools have cut down trees. However, except for Nghi Loc 2 High School, the cutting down of trees in the remaining schools is quite appropriate and the Department has not received any negative feedback.

Through the unfortunate incident that occurred, the Department also requires schools to be proactive and flexible in handling issues related to trees.

On the one hand, cutting down trees is to ensure safety, but it is still necessary to create shade and maintain green spaces in schools. In addition, schools also need to have plans to protect trees, considering this as one of the regular tasks during the school year, avoiding the situation of “closing the barn door after the horse has been stolen”./.