A pine tree dies near a cemetery in An Cuu Ward, Hue City.
In an area near a cemetery in An Cuu Ward, numerous pine trees have withered and dried out. Most of the affected trees are located close to newly constructed gravesites.
The trees showed clear signs of human interference, with bark stripped off near the base and drill holes found in the trunks, indicating intentional damage.
The pine forest in this cemetery area is under the management of the An Cuu Ward People’s Committee.
A similar situation has been reported in a tropical rainforest managed by Tien Phong Forestry Company. Many Caribbean pine trees planted in 1979 have dried out entirely, with some losing bark from root to crown.
A representative of the company said the scattered tree deaths were due to pests and disease. However, damage consistent with deliberate tampering has also been observed in other protected and landscape forests such as Thien An Hill, Nguyet Bieu (Thuy Xuan Ward), Chin Ham (An Cuu Ward), and Hai Cat (Kim Long Ward).
As of July 1, a total of 34 mature pine trees were reported dead due to pests and disease within special-use forests under the management of Tien Phong Forestry Company. The company is currently working on plans to remove the dead trees to prevent further spread and reduce the risk of illegal logging or bark stripping.
On June 16, the company’s forest protection team discovered six resin-producing pine trees along the road to Khai Dinh Tomb (Thuy Xuan Ward) had been deliberately poisoned. The trees had been drilled and injected with toxic substances.
At the scene, each tree had two to three small, expertly drilled holes at the base, hidden beneath weeds. A white chemical solution was still leaking from the holes, and the trees were in the process of dying beyond recovery.
A white chemical solution was still leaking from the holes of a pine tree.
The incident has been reported to local police in An Cuu Ward for investigation.
Authorities have also instructed Tien Phong Forestry Company to step up patrols and monitor forested areas more closely. They have been ordered to preserve the current condition of the damaged trees and prevent any illegal exploitation or cutting.
