Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that most of the trees cut along Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project had defects and cavities, rendering them unsuitable for relocation. This statement was made during the replanting of two Narra trees at the Hidden Garden in Manila, highlighting the challenges faced in preserving native and fruit-bearing species.

According to Philippines News Agency, DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito Eneran revealed that of the 617 trees assessed within the project area, 523 were designated for cutting due to their decayed condition, while 94 were identified for earth balling. Eneran explained that the earth-balling process is reserved for trees with a higher chance of survival, emphasizing that cutting was confined to trees that were damaged or posed a safety threat.

To date, 245 trees have been cut, and 40 have been earthballed and transplanted. The DENR has identified replanting areas including Intramuros, Hidden Garden, and the PhilPost center island to accommodate the transplanted trees. The assessment revealed that 44 percent of the trees had cavities or decay in their roots and base trunks, while 26 percent were leaning or entangled with wires, and 19 percent were dead, wilting, or deformed. Only 65 trees, equating to 11 percent, were found to be healthy and structurally stable.

DENR-NCR forester Arturo Calderon emphasized that each tree underwent individual assessment before decisions were made. He warned that unhealthy trees, particularly those leaning or deformed, could cause more damage if not removed, especially during a strong typhoon. Calderon noted that healthy trees with minimal damage could be transplanted and have an 80 percent survival rate if properly maintained and treated with rooting hormones.