Damaged trees in residential complexes could lead to property managers being fined up to 20,000 yuan (US$2,500), according to a new city greenery law of Shanghai.

The law will also fine people who chop down or remove trees without government permission.

 

Officials in charge of the legislation, which was adopted by the Standing Committee of the Shanghai People's Congress yesterday and will take effect on May 1, said they had paid special attention to residents' opinions while creating the law.

 

Law makers said that at a public hearing last month in Yulanyuan - a residential complex in Xuhui District - residents complained that big trees blocked sunshine to their balcony.

 

They also said some poisonous plants, such as oleander, had been planted near residential houses.

 

The new law requires property managers to select the "right" plants in residents' complexes and to avoid trees blocking sunshine to people on lower floors.

 

Property management companies who fail to meet the provisions will be asked by the city's greenery administrative bureau to correct the matter.

 

Those who don't make corrections within the deadline will face a penalty of between 2,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan.

 

People who chop down or remove trees without permission will face a penalty of up to 10 times the cost of the tree and planting fee.

 

Chopping down or relocating trees with government permission for urban construction will require managers to inform residents of the changes.

 

As new buildings go up in old areas, the number of conflicts over greenery has soared in recent years.

 

Last June, the China Railway Electrification Bureau was fined more than 350,000 yuan after its workers chopped back nearly 200 trees in Guannong Park in Putuo District.

 

In residential complexes, the number of complaints about improper greenery layout is also on the increase.

 

(Shanghai Daily January 18, 2007)