Hanoi bans 18 tree species from public spaces

The Hanoi People's Committee has issued new regulations for managing parks, greenery, and water surfaces, which include a ban on planting 18 specific tree species in public areas. The prohibited list includes species that pose health risks due to toxins, such as Nerium oleander, Strychnos nux-vomica, and Aconitum carmichaeli, as well as plants with addictive properties like Erythroxylum novogranatense.

Other banned species were selected due to physical hazards, such as those with large thorns like Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) or those with brittle branches prone to falling during storms, including Hevea brasiliensis and Ceiba pentandra. Additionally, certain plants were excluded because their falling fruit or seeds negatively impact street sanitation and the environment.

To manage existing greenery, authorities must develop plans to gradually remove and replace prohibited or unsuitable trees. The city also introduced a list of 33 approved tree species for urban streets, categorized by their ability to provide shade, storm resistance, and aesthetic value. The new urban greenery plan aims to create distinct identities for different street groups, such as the historical inner city and heritage lake areas, by utilizing specific species like Sấu and Lộc vừng.