Da Lat Man Fined VND 35 Million for Cutting Pine Tree in Home Garden

A 27-year-old man in Da Lat has been fined VND 35 million (approximately $1,400 USD) for cutting down a pine tree on his private property and posting the process on TikTok. On September 13, representatives from the Xuan Huong ward People's Committee in Da Lat announced the fine imposed on the man, a resident of the An Son area, for illegally felling trees without a permit, in accordance with Government Decree 339/2026/NĐ-CP. Previously, the man had uploaded two short videos to TikTok documenting the process of cutting down a three-leaf pine tree, approximately 5 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 35 cm, located within his home's compound. In the videos, he demonstrated how to use tools to impact the tree to make it dry out. He then used a chainsaw to fell the tree, stating that he intended to use the wood to make furniture, and that the tree was decades old. After the videos were discovered, authorities from Xuan Huong ward summoned the man for questioning on September 7. Two days later, the local government officially recorded the administrative violation. According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hau, Vice Chairman of the Xuan Huong ward People's Committee, the felled pine tree was within the homeowner's property and not part of forest land. However, local authorities maintain that tree felling must adhere to regulations concerning tree management. Mr. Hau explained that when residents need to cut down trees, they must report to the local government. This allows for coordination with relevant units to conduct on-site inspections and assess the tree's condition. Subsequently, the competent authorities will review the request for felling. A local official knowledgeable in management work indicated that many natural pine trees in Da Lat, even those within private family landholdings, are still considered state property. These are trees that existed on the land before land use rights were granted to individuals. The issuance of land use certificates does not automatically transfer rights to landscape trees to the landowner. Therefore, while residents have the right to use their land, it does not equate to the right to unilaterally decide on felling pine trees under state management within their property. Strict management of existing pine trees is crucial for protecting Da Lat's characteristic green spaces and landscape. When felling is necessary, homeowners must notify the local government. This enables coordination with relevant units to verify the tree's origin, condition, and management status before a permit can be considered. 'In this case, the homeowner cut the tree himself without seeking permission,' Mr. Hau stated, adding that this is a recent case handled by the ward. Other residents with tree-felling needs continue to follow the established procedures. Information Source: VnExpress