Jindo-gun Conducts Field Survey and Growth Improvement of Machilus thunbergii after East Sea Damage

Among 942 Trees, 376 Suffered Browning Damage... Removal of Small Branches and Application of Growth Promoters

Jindo County is conducting an on-site investigation to improve the growth of Machilus thunbergii and other plants after suffering damage to the East Sea due to an extreme winter cold wave for the first time in 54 years. (Photo by Jindo County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Jindo County conducted on-site investigations and growth improvement measures to enhance the growth of camphor trees and other plants after suffering winter cold damage for the first time in 54 years.

According to Jindo County on the 7th, due to abnormal cold waves in December and January last year, 376 out of 942 roadside street trees planted along National Road No. 18 suffered cold damage such as browning, where leaves and branches dried up and changed color.

To prevent cold damage in advance, Jindo County sprayed growth suppressants and installed greening mats in early December last year.

However, due to extreme winter cold with temperatures dropping below freezing for about 17 days and snow lasting for about 10 days, the camphor tree, the county tree of Jindo and a representative subtropical species of the southwestern coast, suffered significant damage.

Accordingly, in early February, an on-site investigation was conducted to assess the extent of cold damage to the roadside camphor trees, and the results were reported to Jeollanam-do Province.

Subsequently, due to the severe cold damage to evergreen trees in the southwestern coastal area, an on-site investigation accompanied by officials from Jeollanam-do Provincial Office and technical advisory committee members was conducted in early April.

As a result of the on-site investigation, experts stated, “Although the cold damage is severe, the trees are not dead,” and added, “Dead branches that have been freeze-dried and browned leaves should be removed, and the growth condition should be monitored until June. It is expected to take about two years for the trees to fully regain their shape.”

Jindo County plans to start improving the growth of camphor trees damaged by cold by removing browned leaves and applying nutrients such as growth promoters according to expert technical advice and countermeasures.

A representative from the Jindo County Environment and Forestry Department said, “Based on the technical advisory results, we plan to take phased measures targeting the trees damaged by cold and closely observe their growth conditions.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.