This is an ancient banyan tree over 400 years old, which was recognized as a Heritage Tree of Vietnam three years ago. Although the local community has taken care of it, the tree has recently shown signs of decline due to many parasitic plants, termites, and some branches being broken.

After conducting a comprehensive survey of the trunk, roots, and foliage, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai along with experts from the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council highly appreciated the awareness and efforts of local officials and residents in protecting the tree. Experts stated that due to its old age, the main part of the tree trunk has decayed, but the ability to regenerate from the subsidiary trunks is still very good. Therefore, it is necessary to limit construction and activities that directly harm the roots and the growth space of the tree.

To prolong the lifespan of Heritage Trees, experts recommend that the community should work together to care for them properly: remove parasites from the branches, cut down competing trees around the root area, nurture additional lateral roots, and add organic fertilizer and biological products to the base. In particular, it is absolutely forbidden to build or plaster cement around the base; instead, a grass cover should be developed under the canopy to retain moisture and maintain the natural ecological environment.

Mr. Le Van Binh along with village headmen Le Tat Dap, Nguyen Van Hiep and Mr. Nguyen Van Su – Vice President of the Hanoi Tourism Association, a native of Thuy Ung – expressed their gratitude to the VACNE experts. Local representatives affirmed: since the ancient banyan tree was recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree, the spiritual life of the community has been enhanced, while also contributing to attracting tourists to the craft village, creating motivation for economic development. Furthermore, the Heritage Banyan Tree has also awakened pride and the historical-cultural traditions of the homeland.
The Thuy Ung village community is determined to preserve the banyan tree for it to endure alongside the craft village, becoming a valuable heritage for generations to come.