Seoul's Nowon-gu is conducting a sweeping inspection and maintenance campaign targeting poorly growing trees to prevent damage from an approaching typhoon, the district said.
Meteorological authorities say Typhoon Saudel, the 18th named storm of the season, is strengthening as it moves northward, though its exact track remains uncertain. The storm could develop into a "very strong" typhoon with maximum wind speeds exceeding 45 meters per second next week — well above the 35-meter-per-second threshold at which trees are considered at risk of toppling.
The district's tree maintenance program began proactively in early August, ahead of any typhoon forecast. It was formalized after District Mayor Seo Jun-o visited the scene of a street-tree collapse on Dongil-ro near Madeu Station on July 30 and ordered a comprehensive inspection plan.
That incident was traced to basal trunk rot in an aging London plane tree. Following the accident, the district launched a full assessment of tree health and risk levels across residential areas, including roadsides, parks, green spaces and waterways.
The district's Garden City Division is conducting safety inspections at 251 sites covering parks, green spaces and waterways, while experts carry out parallel safety assessments for street trees. A large-scale inspection targeting trees showing signs of dieback, decay, cavities or leaning has already resulted in the removal or treatment of 41 London plane trees, 167 eastern white pine trees and about 150 black locust trees and other species.
To catch hazardous trees earlier, the district has also distributed identification manuals to community center staff who conduct regular neighborhood safety patrols. The guides allow non-experts to spot visible warning signs such as trunk cavities, fungal growth and leaf discoloration. Any at-risk tree identified during a patrol is to be reported immediately to the Garden City Division for a follow-up on-site assessment.
The district said it plans to continue tree safety inspections through the end of the year, even if the Greater Seoul area escapes the direct impact of Typhoon Saudel.
Alongside trees, construction sites and other facilities vulnerable to strong winds are also being inspected by relevant departments and specialists. The review covers public construction projects as well as apartment complexes and multi-family housing. Drones are being deployed to check hard-to-reach areas such as upper-floor scaffolding and rooftops, minimizing blind spots.
"The safety of residents is the top priority of public administration, and trust is built on that foundation of safety and peace of mind," District Mayor Seo said. "We will pursue fundamental prevention through thorough inspections while establishing a swift and accurate response system to protect the precious daily lives of our residents."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
