The trees line Luong Dinh Cua Street in Hoi Phu Ward, where metal braces installed to support young saplings have not been removed despite the trees maturing.
Many bauhinia trees have been 'strangled' by iron clamps for years in Gia Lai Province (Photo: Chi Anh).
A local resident said the road was built in 2019 and bauhinia trees were planted along both sides in 2021 to provide shade and improve the urban landscape.
“When first planted, the trees were only as thick as an adult’s wrist. After nearly five years they have grown larger and sturdier, but the iron clamps remain in place,” he said. “It is distressing to see them struggling to grow or gradually dying.”
Residents living along the two-kilometre stretch have repeatedly called for the clamps to be removed so the trees can develop normally. However, as the trees are public property under state management, no one has intervened without authorisation. Complaints have yet to be resolved.
It is the peak blooming season for Bauhinia, but many trees are still constricted by iron clamps, hindering their growth and preventing them from flowering (Photo: Chi Anh).
A Dantri reporter visiting the site on February 25 observed that most of the bauhinia trees were still secured with iron clamps. Many trunks were visibly constricted and deformed, severely affecting growth. Some trees showed signs of drying out.
The issue is particularly noticeable as bauhinia trees are currently in bloom. Instead of vibrant blossoms lining the street, several damaged trees have failed to flower. Long-term constriction also makes them more vulnerable to snapping in strong winds.
Long-term use of iron clamps makes trees very prone to breaking in strong winds (Photo: Chi Anh).
A representative of Hoi Phu ward people’s committee said management records for the tree system on Luong Dinh Cua street remain under the former Pleiku city authority and have not yet been transferred to the ward.
“In the immediate term, we will inspect the number of affected trees and coordinate with the managing unit to remove the iron clamps and create conditions for the trees to grow,” the representative said.
