On July 27, 2010 Tai’an Ancient and Famous Tree Protection project was started by the Management Committee of TaiShan Red Gate Scenic Area, Tai’an, east China’s Shandong province.

This project mainly carries out special protection of five trees: the first Han Dynasty cypress, Wolong Chinese scholar tree and three ancient campsises. These five types of trees were included in the World Heritage List in 1987.

The first Han Dynasty cypress, located in the yard of Temple of Guan Yu, was planted more than 500 years ago.

The Wolong China scholar tree, located at the side of the west gate of Dou Mu Palace, was planted in the Jiajing Era of the Ming Dynasty more than 300 years ago

The three campsises, located at the east gate of Temple of Guan Yu, were planted nearly 200 years ago.

“We will work out the protection plan according to the characteristics and current situation of each tree,” said one staff member of the Management Committee.

Bare-rooted trees will be preserved by building earth-retaining walls. Trees will be cleared of withered branches, their holes will be filled, and brush tung oil will be used to prevent decay. Organica Fertilizer and soil rejuvenation will be used to strengthen weak tress. Trees that lean will be given support, and stone walls will be built around some to lessen human impact.

By Wang Qian and Liu Dongxian( China Daily Shandong Bureau)