Gangnam-gu 'Yangjaecheon Metasequoia Rescue' Operation

Yellowing phenomenon occurs in approximately 2.9km of Yangjaecheon-ro with 733 Metasequoia trees... Soil hardening, poor root growth, and strong sunlight cited as causes

Investigation led by Korea's first certified arborist... Installed 434 aeration tubes, pruned upper branches to reduce water evaporation, and administered nutrients

Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jo Seongmyeong) has taken active measures to save 733 Metasequoia trees along about 2.9km of Yangjaecheon-ro between Yeongdong Bridge 2 and Yeongdong Bridge 6.

The Metasequoia trees here are approximately 50 to 60 years old, and recently, a general yellowing phenomenon and early leaf drop symptoms have appeared in some trees. Since April, when new leaves sprouted and water demand increased, the damage symptoms worsened significantly, leading to numerous earnest complaints from residents asking to save the Metasequoia Road, a famous spot in Gangnam.

Since March, the district has conducted pest control work to manage the growth environment of the trees and collected soil samples for analysis by a specialized institution. The analysis showed that soil pH and base saturation levels were higher than the standard values, hindering smooth water and nutrient absorption, which weakened the tree vigor. Additionally, factors such as limited growth space, urban pollution, and tree aging were pointed out as contributing causes.

Accordingly, since May, 434 aeration tubes (perforated pipes) have been installed to supply water and nutrients effectively through regular irrigation and fertilization. Severely affected trees had their upper branches pruned to control water evaporation through leaves, and nutrients were directly supplied via trunk injections.

On August 9, the Metasequoia Road was visited together with Korea's first certified arborist (Director Kang Jeon-yu of the Tree Comprehensive Hospital) to carefully examine and observe the severely damaged leaves. (Photo) Although no pests or diseases were found, additional leaf scorch damage caused by dehydration due to excessive water transpiration from prolonged hot weather was discovered, prompting plans to pay closer attention to tree growth and irrigation work.

The district plans to conduct a second soil analysis in early September, followed by soil drenching, foliar fertilization, and soil improvement treatments as part of a second phase of care. In early December, to prepare for deicing agent application, the district will strengthen green area protective barriers and review the types and amounts of deicing agents used to continuously manage the growth environment for Metasequoia recovery.

Jo Seongmyeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, “We are making every effort to save the Metasequoia trees that create the beautiful atmosphere of Yangjaecheon for the residents who love and worry about them,” and added, “We will do our best to continuously manage their growth condition so that the Yangjaecheon Metasequoia Road can be well preserved.”

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