The city has 773 trees stranded in buildings, construction sites and even refuse heaps.

Urban planning authorities have found, in a two-month survey starting from September, that most stranded trees are elms and theoldest is around 180 years old.

Most trees are found in densely inhabited downtown areas, whereresidents have built up houses and storerooms -- often encircling a tree -- in formerly public areas.

The lower parts of the trees are often used as posts to supportthe rooves -- sometimes with wire and boards stuck into their trunks.

Some trees, covered with concrete at the base, are dying of thirst as they are denied water, said an urban planning official.

Protection of existing trees is vital in the city's landscapingplan, as it is difficult for young trees to survive the severe winter, with the maximum daytime temperature often below minus 20 degrees Celsius, he said.

At the urging of the government, citizens in Harbin have started to remove their illegitimate buildings and waste to set the trees free.

To date, nearly a third of the stranded trees are breathing in the open air again and the others are expected to be rescued soon.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2002)