"Why Were Pine Trees Planted as Street Trees?"... Mapo District Explains Amid Controversy

Over 100 Residents Attend Briefing Session
“Addressing Blocked Signs, Unpleasant Odor, and Safety Concerns”

On September 17, Mapo District in Seoul (Mayor Park Kangsoo) announced that it had directly explained to residents the reasons for replacing the street trees on Mapodaero and Samgaero with pine trees. The district cited the need to address inconveniences caused by ginkgo and plane trees and to enhance safety as the main reasons for the change.

Park Kangsoo, mayor of Mapo District, is delivering a greeting at a resident briefing session regarding pine trees on Mapodaero and Samgaero. Provided by Mapo District Office.

On September 16, Mapo District held a “Resident Briefing Session on Pine Trees on Mapodaero and Samgaero” at the Dohwa-dong Community Center, attended by about 100 residents. This briefing was organized to clarify the facts after some media reports and politicians’ claims that “the shade disappeared due to the planting of pine trees” led to widespread misunderstandings.

The district explained that the existing plane and ginkgo trees had caused several problems: damage to local businesses due to blocked signs, drainage and rainwater inlet blockages, safety concerns from decaying older trees, and complaints about the unpleasant odor of ginkgo fruit. As a result, pine trees were chosen as an alternative because they are less likely to fall, easier to manage in terms of fallen leaves, and their smaller canopies do not obstruct signs and markers.

Additionally, the district noted that after ongoing complaints about public restrooms near construction sites, a company participated in creating a “premium street” by donating pine trees. As a result, 189 pine trees and 4,000 rose bushes were planted on Mapodaero, and 54 pine trees were planted on Samgaero.

However, after some pine trees died, the district explained, “We identified debris from bricks and cement, as well as poor soil quality, as the causes. The dead trees will be removed and replanted in suitable soil.” The district also added that, according to the performance guarantee insurance, all replanting costs will be fully borne by the construction company.

During the briefing, residents’ questions were addressed in detail, including design changes, installation of concrete structures, and criteria for calculating the unit price of pine trees. The district emphasized, “The design was adjusted to add the base section for the pine trees, which was not included in the initial plan. The unit price varies depending on quality, and there have been no cases where it was set above the design price.”

According to a survey conducted by the district, 61% of residents expressed support for planting pine trees, and business owners in particular gave positive feedback about the reduction of blocked signs and inconvenience from fallen leaves.

Park Kangsoo, mayor of Mapo District, stated, “The pine tree-lined path will improve safety and the landscape. We will ensure that residents can enjoy green foliage throughout the year and snow-covered pine trees in winter through proper management.”

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