HANOI, Vietnam: The strong fragrance of flowering trees in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, has become a source of discomfort for some residents, prompting authorities to begin pruning hundreds of trees and relocating some of them.
According to Reuters, the trees, locally known as “hoa sua” or milk flowers, are famous for their distinctive sweet fragrance and have long been regarded as a symbol of Hanoi’s autumn season.
The trees release a particularly strong scent in the evening, with the fragrance becoming more intense during September and October. Hanoi is estimated to have around 14,400 milk flower trees across the city.
However, some residents say the powerful smell has become overwhelming, with some reporting headaches and migraines. One resident said the strong fragrance had forced them to stop taking evening walks.
Following complaints from residents, city authorities launched a five-day campaign to prune the flower-bearing branches of around 7% of the trees. Some trees are also reportedly being considered for relocation.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some welcomed the move because of the intense smell, others opposed it, saying the fragrant trees are an important part of Hanoi’s character, beauty and autumn identity.
Experts say the fragrance itself is not considered toxic, although pollen from the trees may trigger allergic reactions in some people.
The issue highlights the challenge of balancing urban greenery, environmental identity and residents’ comfort as cities manage their growing urban forests.
