'Trees and stubs disfigured by incorrect pruning are everywhere. They are not pleasant to the eye. I am not sure if the authorities have the knowledge and skills required to trim trees," said Nirawan Poomngern.
But the 38-year-old Taling Chan district resident isn't the only one in the city who has complained about the increasing number of eyesores on the streets of Bangkok.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been slammed for the way it looks after big trees in the city.
There is growing concern over improper pruning practices, including topping techniques -- the indiscriminate cutting of branches to stubs -- carried out by the BMA. Trees are topped and headed. Many of them are mishandled and damaged, sparking strong criticism from residents.
Experts say improper pruning and misguided methods of tree care and maintenance are often followed by disease and decay, leading eventually to death.
Five years ago, authorities uprooted the last, and decades-old lamphu tree -- a landmark in the district -- which was planted in the Bang Lamphu area, near Santi Chai Prakan Park. It sparked a major row between residents who opposed the plan to cut it down and the authorities.
The BMA defended the removal, saying the roots were decaying as a result of long-term flooding in 2011.
The most recent case that upset locals occurred last week when a 30-year-old Bodhi tree near Bo Bae market was cut down, drawing criticism from residents of the BMA's policy on its tree management programme.
The BMA said the tree's roots had lifted a pavement near a canal, presenting an accident risk.
However, problems with trees in the city lie in the fact that authorities lack the motivation to perform effective pruning tasks, noted 68-year-old aborist Taradon Tunduan.
"Most of them have basic knowledge and skills in the care and maintenance of trees. But the BMA should reward them for their good work," said Mr Taradon, who has more than 20 years' experience in performing tree maintenance.
He had the opportunity to work with BMA workers in a tree care workshop where he observed their cutting and trimming skills. He found that those who care for trees worked hard and carefully remove branches near power lines that pose an accident risk.
"The BMA should launch incentives to motivate workers to work harder and do a better job on trees," he said. A well-planned plant management programme is a critical component in managing sustainable urban vegetation.
He urged the BMA to carefully select plants that are suitable for each location and use a wide range of vegetation, preferably trees. Trees in general require little care while ornamental varieties would need a high level of ongoing maintenance.
A 30-year-old Bodhi tree near Bo Bae market was cut down last week by City Hall, greatly upsetting local residents. Patipat Janthong
He also urged the BMA to work closely with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority on tree care and maintenance programmes.
Topping is not always the solution for coping with very large trees growing under power lines, Mr Taradon noted, saying that directional pruning techniques would be ideal in some cases.
Sometimes authorities need to cut off the crown by sawing off some branches without destroying the tree's natural shape, he said.
Authorities should have a clear pruning goal, and plan on how to prune a tree and understand how each plant responds to each type of cut. Selecting the right method can ensure a tree is safe, healthy and attractive, he said.
Solutions for avoiding raised pavements around a tree include pruning off the problem roots. Barriers should be installed around the tree after the roots are cut to prevent the root from re-growing under the pavement and also providing the root with support.
There is always a remedy for every tree ailment. An arborist knows how to improve a tree's health, safety and beauty, Mr Taradon said.
Suwanna Jungrungrueng, head of City Hall's Environment Department admitted the BMA had received complaints about disfigured trees and improper pruning in public areas and on traffic islands over the past several years.
Most of the people who complained were concerned that the practice of tree topping would affect a plant's health, while many others said topped trees mar the beauty of the landscape.
Ms Suwanna said the authorities follow standard accepted practices.
She noted that part of the BMA's improvement plans include encouraging people to participate in its tree maintenance programme. People who are interested in helping out can register at 50 district offices citywide to join the programme.
"They will learn pruning tips and techniques. By working together with authorities, they will understand why and how we do the job," she said.
Authorities and arborists will join a programme to prune trees on traffic islands along Thetsaban Songkhro Road in Chatuchak district. There are around 258 trees in the area, according to a recent survey. The programme is serving as a pilot project.
In 2015, Ms Suwanna said there were about 3 million mature trees in Bangkok. Around 150,000 trees were subjected to pruning and trimming.
Meanwhile, the problems have prompted environmentalists to set up the Thailand Urban Tree Network, which includes a total of 56 organisations including local residents from different districts, the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand and the Thai Association of Landscape Architects.
Led by the Big Trees Project -- an environmental advocacy group, the network is urging people to protect trees in the city. A group of volunteers will study trees and their general health throughout the city.
Speaking at a seminar to launch the network on Thursday at Thammasat University, Oraya Sutabutr, a member of the Big Trees Project, said her group will also pressure the government into formulating a national vegetation management plan.
"We want people to stop abusing trees. We consider improper pruning a serious crime against nature," Ms Oraya said.
Chopaka Wiriyanon, a TV host who also co-founded the network, said tree topping upset her because "trees can be permanently damaged and cannot do their job [providing shade for pedestrians]".
