Hanoi cuts back iconic alstonia trees amid perfume concerns

Hanoi authorities have begun a pruning programme targeting the city's extensive alstonia scholaris population, responding to mounting public complaints about the trees' pungent fragrance. The tall evergreens, which have long provided cooling shade along Hanoi's streets and boulevards, are now facing reduced numbers as municipal officials balance the benefits of urban greenery against residents' concerns about air quality and odour pollution.

The alstonia scholaris, commonly known as blackboard trees, have been a defining feature of Hanoi's urban landscape for decades. With more than 14,400 specimens distributed throughout the capital, they have served as natural cooling systems during Vietnam's hot and humid climate. However, the trees' distinctive floral scent—which intensifies during blooming season—has increasingly become a source of frustration for residents and workers in affected areas.

Local authorities characterised the situation as residents feeling "under attack" from the fragrance, prompting the decision to selectively prune branches and reduce the trees' flowering capacity. The move reflects a broader tension in urban planning between maintaining environmental benefits and addressing quality-of-life concerns raised by the public.

While the pruning programme continues, Hanoi has not announced plans to remove the trees entirely. Instead, the strategy focuses on managing their growth and bloom cycles to mitigate the fragrance issue while preserving their role in providing shade and cooling effects throughout the city.