SDG15
Tainan Landmark "Main Banyan Tree of NCKU Banyan Garden" Undergoes Major Pruning, Becoming Healthier and More Elegant
The iconic main banyan tree in the Banyan Garden of National Cheng Kung University's (NCKU) Kuang-Fu Campus, one of Tainan's most renowned landmarks, underwent a major revitalization effort as part of NCKU's "Preserve Old Trees, Plant New Trees" campus improvement project launched in 2024. From late December 2024 to early January 2025, the university enlisted the expertise of horticulturists, cranes, and arborists to carry out extensive pruning according to the maintenance plan. This large-scale effort has given the banyan tree a more striking and refined appearance, ensuring its continued health and vitality. It is hoped that this cherished tree, which holds countless precious memories and blessings, will stand strong for generations to come, accompanying NCKU students through their journey of enrollment, campus life, and graduation year after year.
NCKU's "Preserve Old Trees, Plant New Trees" campus improvement project aims to protect the historical and cultural significance of its ancient trees through expert care while enhancing the campus's ecological and aesthetic appeal. The project involves planting new trees and flowerbeds to create a colorful environment where faculty and students can experience the changing seasons and support biodiversity. During this process, it was discovered that the iconic main banyan tree, though in generally good health, faced potential risks due to overly dense branches, decayed wood, and excessive trunk load. In response, the university embarked on the most extensive pruning operation in nearly a century, ensuring the tree's continued health and stability while preserving its historical legacy.
As part of NCKU's "Preserve Old Trees" initiative, the university's General Affairs Office has commissioned Professor Ming-Hsun Chan from the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at National Chiayi University to assess and maintain the health of its valuable trees. The project targets 100 old trees with trunk diameters exceeding 30 cm, employing non-invasive methods such as visual inspections, LiDAR measurements, and ultrasonic testing. When necessary, core samples are extracted for analysis. A detailed health report is prepared for each tree. To date, 8 significant trees, including the main banyan tree in Banyan Garden, have undergone care, such as maintenance, bracing, or treatment. The remaining 92 trees are scheduled for care starting in 2025. If funding permits, an additional 100 old trees will be evaluated in 2025. According to NCKU's records, the campus is home to approximately 570 old trees, primarily located in the Kuang-Fu and Cheng-Kung campuses. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to preserving its ecological and cultural heritage while fostering a sustainable and vibrant campus environment.
Jian-Hong Wu, Dean of General Affairs of NCKU, highlighted the historical significance of the Banyan Garden's main banyan tree, planted over a century ago during the Japanese colonial era by then-Crown Prince, later Emperor Showa. Despite its robust health, recent inspections revealed potential threats that require attention. The primary issues include the accumulation of fallen leaves and decayed branches within the trunk, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, the tree's crown diameter exceeds its height, placing excessive load on the trunk and exposing it to larger wind forces. This structural imbalance raises concerns, as the tree could suffer a fate similar to the nearby banyan tree, which split during Typhoon Soudelor in August 2015.
In response to the inspection results, NCKU took a cautious and proactive approach by inviting Professors Hao-Ven Wang and Guo-Ying Liao from the Department of Life Sciences, along with other tree experts, to review the health report and discuss the findings. Concerns over the potential risk of future branch or trunk breakage led to a unanimous decision to engage professional contractors for the pruning of the main banyan tree. Dean of General Affairs Jian-Hong Wu expressed heartfelt gratitude, revealing that a humble NCKU alumnus, upon learning of the project, offered full financial support for the pruning initiative. The alumnus, deeply moved by the significance of the banyan tree that once stood as a silent witness to his student days, hopes that the iconic tree will remain healthy and continue to inspire and accompany future generations of NCKU students.
This pruning project represents one of the most significant maintenance efforts in NCKU's history. To protect the Banyan Garden's grasslands from damage caused by heavy machinery, the General Affairs Office required contractors to lay steel plates over the lawn before allowing cranes to access the site. Horticulturists, operating the cranes, carefully pruned the outer canopy, thinning out overly dense branches. Using the tree's 2016 shape as a model, LiDAR measurements and precise positioning were applied to guide the pruning. Approximately 2.2 meters were removed from the top of the canopy, while the lower edge was reduced by about 1 meter, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing rounded form. Additionally, 5 certified arborists with expertise in tree biology and skilled in manual climbing worked within the tree’s interior, trimming deadwood and unhealthy branches.
During the process, the General Affairs Office installed informational signs near the banyan tree, explaining the purpose and scope of the maintenance plan to students, faculty, and the public. One staff member shared a touching moment: parents visiting the garden with their children read the sign and explained, "The old banyan tree is getting a haircut to stay strong, so it doesn’t end up like the other tree that broke." This served as a valuable life lesson for the children. Students and faculty passing by often remarked that this was the largest and most professional pruning effort they had ever witnessed at NCKU, underscoring the university’s dedication to preserving this cherished landmark.
The tree maintenance team extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who has shown care and love for this century-old banyan tree. It is through this collective effort that this iconic tree, which carries the blessings of countless individuals and stands as a guardian for NCKU students, continues to thrive and shine. Special thanks go to HsinLinTing Garden Co., Ltd., for their professional dedication, as well as Professors Hao-Ven Wang and Guo-Ying Liao from the Department of Life Sciences, and the meticulous efforts of the General Affairs Office staff. Above all, the university expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the alumnus who generously supported and sponsored the tree preservation initiative. Their contribution has enabled NCKU to take meaningful steps to ensure the health of this treasured tree. Looking forward, the university is committed to conducting health assessments, maintenance, and pruning for other old trees on campus, ensuring that these timeless beauties continue to enrich NCKU's landscape and heritage for generations to come.
NCKU's "Preserve Old Trees, Plant New Trees" campus improvement project aims to protect the historical and cultural significance of its ancient trees through expert care while enhancing the campus's ecological and aesthetic appeal. The project involves planting new trees and flowerbeds to create a colorful environment where faculty and students can experience the changing seasons and support biodiversity. During this process, it was discovered that the iconic main banyan tree, though in generally good health, faced potential risks due to overly dense branches, decayed wood, and excessive trunk load. In response, the university embarked on the most extensive pruning operation in nearly a century, ensuring the tree's continued health and stability while preserving its historical legacy.
As part of NCKU's "Preserve Old Trees" initiative, the university's General Affairs Office has commissioned Professor Ming-Hsun Chan from the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at National Chiayi University to assess and maintain the health of its valuable trees. The project targets 100 old trees with trunk diameters exceeding 30 cm, employing non-invasive methods such as visual inspections, LiDAR measurements, and ultrasonic testing. When necessary, core samples are extracted for analysis. A detailed health report is prepared for each tree. To date, 8 significant trees, including the main banyan tree in Banyan Garden, have undergone care, such as maintenance, bracing, or treatment. The remaining 92 trees are scheduled for care starting in 2025. If funding permits, an additional 100 old trees will be evaluated in 2025. According to NCKU's records, the campus is home to approximately 570 old trees, primarily located in the Kuang-Fu and Cheng-Kung campuses. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to preserving its ecological and cultural heritage while fostering a sustainable and vibrant campus environment.
Jian-Hong Wu, Dean of General Affairs of NCKU, highlighted the historical significance of the Banyan Garden's main banyan tree, planted over a century ago during the Japanese colonial era by then-Crown Prince, later Emperor Showa. Despite its robust health, recent inspections revealed potential threats that require attention. The primary issues include the accumulation of fallen leaves and decayed branches within the trunk, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, the tree's crown diameter exceeds its height, placing excessive load on the trunk and exposing it to larger wind forces. This structural imbalance raises concerns, as the tree could suffer a fate similar to the nearby banyan tree, which split during Typhoon Soudelor in August 2015.
In response to the inspection results, NCKU took a cautious and proactive approach by inviting Professors Hao-Ven Wang and Guo-Ying Liao from the Department of Life Sciences, along with other tree experts, to review the health report and discuss the findings. Concerns over the potential risk of future branch or trunk breakage led to a unanimous decision to engage professional contractors for the pruning of the main banyan tree. Dean of General Affairs Jian-Hong Wu expressed heartfelt gratitude, revealing that a humble NCKU alumnus, upon learning of the project, offered full financial support for the pruning initiative. The alumnus, deeply moved by the significance of the banyan tree that once stood as a silent witness to his student days, hopes that the iconic tree will remain healthy and continue to inspire and accompany future generations of NCKU students.
This pruning project represents one of the most significant maintenance efforts in NCKU's history. To protect the Banyan Garden's grasslands from damage caused by heavy machinery, the General Affairs Office required contractors to lay steel plates over the lawn before allowing cranes to access the site. Horticulturists, operating the cranes, carefully pruned the outer canopy, thinning out overly dense branches. Using the tree's 2016 shape as a model, LiDAR measurements and precise positioning were applied to guide the pruning. Approximately 2.2 meters were removed from the top of the canopy, while the lower edge was reduced by about 1 meter, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing rounded form. Additionally, 5 certified arborists with expertise in tree biology and skilled in manual climbing worked within the tree’s interior, trimming deadwood and unhealthy branches.
During the process, the General Affairs Office installed informational signs near the banyan tree, explaining the purpose and scope of the maintenance plan to students, faculty, and the public. One staff member shared a touching moment: parents visiting the garden with their children read the sign and explained, "The old banyan tree is getting a haircut to stay strong, so it doesn’t end up like the other tree that broke." This served as a valuable life lesson for the children. Students and faculty passing by often remarked that this was the largest and most professional pruning effort they had ever witnessed at NCKU, underscoring the university’s dedication to preserving this cherished landmark.
The tree maintenance team extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who has shown care and love for this century-old banyan tree. It is through this collective effort that this iconic tree, which carries the blessings of countless individuals and stands as a guardian for NCKU students, continues to thrive and shine. Special thanks go to HsinLinTing Garden Co., Ltd., for their professional dedication, as well as Professors Hao-Ven Wang and Guo-Ying Liao from the Department of Life Sciences, and the meticulous efforts of the General Affairs Office staff. Above all, the university expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the alumnus who generously supported and sponsored the tree preservation initiative. Their contribution has enabled NCKU to take meaningful steps to ensure the health of this treasured tree. Looking forward, the university is committed to conducting health assessments, maintenance, and pruning for other old trees on campus, ensuring that these timeless beauties continue to enrich NCKU's landscape and heritage for generations to come.
The banyan tree at Banyan Garden undergoes major pruning, boasting a more stylish and striking appearance.
The tree maintenance crew prunes the main banyan tree using a large crane.
The Arborist navigates tree trunks to prune dead and unhealthy branches.
The tree maintenance team hopes the century-old banyan tree, bearing countless blessings, continues to protect generations of students.
