GEORGE TOWN: The roots of a mighty Angsana tree can spread as far as its canopy but roads, drains and other construction works are leaving these trees with less room to grow.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Agriculture Faculty (development and networking) deputy dean Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Saiful Ahmad Hamdani said Angsana roots spread outwards rather than growing deep into the ground, making the trees vulnerable to earthworks around them.
He said the trees are increasingly coming under pressure as urban development reshapes the landscape.
“Urban development, road widening and drainage construction often cut into or restrict root spread, weakening the tree’s stability,” he said when met after the recent 13th International Conference on Plant Protection in the Tropics 2026.
Muhammad Saiful, who is also Malaysian Plant Protection Society president, said protecting the trees meant protecting their roots.
“Angsana have roots that spread sideways near the ground to take in water and nutrients.
“If we restrict their movement with paving, bricks, roads or piling works, the roots can become unhealthy and the tree may eventually die.
“The main thing is to give the trees enough space to grow. Do not interrupt their growth and movement,” he said.
He said damaged roots could also reduce the support needed to keep mature trees standing, particularly during heavy rain and strong winds.
Regular checks, preferably once a month, were important to spot problems early, he added.
The warning comes as Penang grapples with the fate of hundreds of old Angsana trees.
About 170 century-old trees were recently felled for various reasons, including being dead or leaning, posing a collapse risk and obstructing drainage.
