Many camphor trees have died suddenly along Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street in the centre of Dalat, Lam Dong Province, in recent weeks, prompting an official investigation into the cause.
Around 15 old camphor trees have withered in Lam Vien Ward, some with trunks measuring up to a metre in diameter.
Local residents said the die-off began after authorities carried out road upgrades and infrastructure works along the street, long known for its shaded canopy and green urban landscape.
“The street used to be lined with dense, cooling trees, especially welcome during the dry season. Seeing them die like this is distressing,” said Nguyen Van Binh, a resident.
A large-diameter camphor tree has withered on Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street
Some of the affected trees stand near hotels and high-rise buildings. Several others have been heavily pruned, leaving bare trunks, while some have sprouted new shoots from cut branches.
Authorities have removed dead trees to ensure public safety, leaving large gaps along the 2.4-kilometre road, which runs from the Dalat University junction to the Mai Anh Dao-Thanh Mau intersection and was planted with hundreds of trees.
The Lam Vien Ward People’s Committee has begun inspections to determine the cause of the die-off and is considering measures to protect the remaining trees.