Suwon Expands Shade Cloth Planting Method to Save Trees

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City announced on the 30th that it plans to expand the 'shade cloth planting method,' which installs shade cloths under the base of newly planted trees, stating that the method is effective.

The shade cloth planting method, introduced in June of last year, is effective at preventing damage from trees drying and dying due to drought or rising temperatures and helps promote root growth.

The shade cloth blocks sunlight to lower soil temperature and suppress water evaporation, resulting in better tree root development compared to when no cloth is installed.

Last year, 3,900 trees died in the city, with 80% of them—3,120 trees—drying up due to rising temperatures and drought.

As a tree management measure, the city installed 280 shade cloths on trees at four landscaping green areas, including Ushichang Stream, Homaesildonug, Geumgok-dong, and the Suwon I-Park area in Gwonseon-gu.

Compared to before the shade cloth installation, soil temperature dropped by a maximum of 5°C, and humidity was maintained at more than twice the previous level. The installation cost is 10,000 won per shade cloth.

The shade cloth installation allows for a 50% reduction in irrigation costs, thereby cutting damage recovery costs as well.

The estimated damage cost from the 3,120 trees that died last year comes to 1.04 billion won, including planting costs and irrigation expenses.

The cost of installing shade cloths for 3,120 trees amounts to approximately 73 million won, including shade cloth installation costs (32 million won) and irrigation costs (40.6 million won).

Had shade cloths been installed, many trees could have been saved from death and recovery costs could have been significantly reduced.

The city expects the shade cloth planting method to be of great help in conserving tree management budgets.

An official from the City's Parks and Green Space Project Office stated, "The shade cloths we installed on a pilot basis last year have proven effective in promoting tree growth," and added, "This year, we will increase shade cloth installations to create a more pleasant green environment."