BRANCHES of more than 300 trees along Xinzhou No. 2 Street in Futian District were trimmed overnight in preparation for planned renovations that convert the existing road into a pedestrian street, according to a report of DT News, a news app of the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, on Monday.

According to the report, quoting residents in the neighborhood, more than 300 trees lined up along the road that runs about 400 meters. Some of the trees had been there for more than 20 years. Some residents questioned if tree relocation had been approved and consulted with the neighborhood management office.

In response, Futian’s urban management bureau said the trees will be relocated for the purpose of improving the environment for the urban villagers. The trees will be relocated to Antuo Hill and be tended to by forestry companies.

An engineer surnamed Xie with the district’s housing construction bureau said in an interview with DT News that the Xinzhou Village project aims to improve infrastructure and facilities in the urban village. The project includes tree relocation, landscaping improvement and road resurfacing.

As Xinzhou No. 2 Street will be rebuilt into a pedestrian street, the trees of a mahogany species don’t fit the new style and will be replaced by more ornamental tulip trees.

During the Xinzhou No. 2 Street renovation period, a community park will also be built around a 600-year-old banyan tree. (Han Ximin)