Ulsan City Seeks Culprit for Street Tree Damage... Requests Investigation into University Road Zelkova Tree Vandalism

by Kim Yongu

Published 12 Apr.2023 09:00(KST)

Updated 07 Aug.2025 16:06(KST)

The police will investigate the damage to the street trees on Daehak-ro in Nam-gu, Ulsan.

Ulsan City announced on the 12th that it recently requested a police investigation after suspecting that one Zelkova tree among the street trees on Daehak-ro in Nam-gu was intentionally damaged.

On this road, Zelkova trees over 30 years old maintain a beautiful streetscape from Sinbok Rotary to the main gate of Ulsan University.

However, since last year, one street tree in this area has been dying without any apparent reason, and a joint investigation by Ulsan City and the Facilities Corporation concluded that the damage was caused by herbicide.

Currently, Ulsan City is taking measures to treat the tree, including administering nutrients.

A street tree on Daehak-ro in Nam-gu, Ulsan is dying. The Ulsan city government has requested a police investigation, suspecting that someone deliberately used herbicide.
[Image source=Ulsan City]

Street trees serve as representative green spaces in urban areas, playing important roles such as connecting urban ecological corridors, mitigating urban heat islands, absorbing carbon, and capturing fine dust. However, complaints requesting excessive pruning or removal arise due to reasons such as fallen leaves from street trees, store signs, and sunlight blockage.

An official from Ulsan City said, “We believe someone intentionally damaged the tree, and since this is a clear illegal act, we requested an investigation.”

If street trees are damaged, under Article 26 of the Act on the Creation and Management of Urban Forests, offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

Jung Yeon-yong, Director of the Greenery and Parks Division, said, “One tree absorbs 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide annually, produces 1.8 tons of oxygen needed by seven adults, and captures 35.7 grams (equivalent to one cup of espresso) of fine dust. We must cherish every single tree to create an ecological city in harmony with nature.”