Authorities in Xuan Huong - Dalat Ward said on September 13 that a 27-year-old resident had been fined VND 35 million (USD 1,345) for illegally felling an urban tree.
The case came to light after the man posted two videos on TikTok showing him cutting and carving around the base of a three-needle pine tree about 5m tall with a trunk diameter of roughly 35cm. The videos attracted more than 300,000 likes.
In the footage, he demonstrated how to damage the tree so it would gradually die before later using a chainsaw to cut it down. He said the tree was several decades old and that the wood would be used to make tables and chairs.
After discovering the videos, local authorities summoned the man for questioning on September 7 and subsequently imposed an administrative fine.
According to officials, the pine tree was located within private residential property and was neither a forestry tree nor situated on forest land. However, because it stood within an urban area, its removal was subject to regulations governing urban green spaces.
Local authorities said residents wishing to remove trees, including during the rainy and storm season, must first notify the authorities so that inspections and safety assessments can be carried out.
Following a request, relevant agencies, including forest protection officials, will evaluate the condition of the tree before deciding whether removal is permitted under existing regulations.
Authorities have urged residents not to cut down trees without approval from the competent authorities.