A poem as lovely as a straw wrapping

Ever wonder why, during the winter season, tree trunks on the streets and in the parks of Seoul are covered with straw mats? "It seems like they are given clothing to survive the chilly winter months," said Kang Je-yon, who was strolling along the sidewalk on a recent day that definitely qualified as chilly. She was exactly right, according to Lee Jeong-hoon, an official at the Junggu district office. In winter, many of the trees in the city have their trunks bundled up to warm them enough to endure the cold. The mats are tied around the trunks with string or rope also woven from straw.

"Trees such as persimmon and crape myrtle need the protection in order to prevent frost damage," Mr. Lee said. "If we don't cover them with straw mats, the consequences in the spring can be quite severe. Many trees die, and bark gets rotten because of the frost," he continued.

Nearly 90 percent of the trees that line the main streets in downtown Seoul are gingko trees, which can survive harsh weather conditions. But many trees in small parks near large buildings such as the Seoul Finance Center and the Sejong Cultural Center have trees that need the overcoats. In early December, when temperatures starts falling, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and district offices cover the trees that require special wrapping with straw. "It makes the trees sturdier and makes them bloom better in the spring," Mr. Lee said.

Many flower pots on the streets are also topped with mats. By March, when the weather begins to thaw and the plants regain their vigor, it's time to doff the extra garb.

But while some trees get full coverage, others only get the bare minimum -- a small mat wrapped around the middle of the trunk. The mats, it seems, serve a second purpose for trees that may not even need the extra warmth. Mr. Lee said, "The insects on trees gather in the straw wrap because it's warmer than on the bare trunks. They hibernate and lay eggs in the straw. Come spring, we detach the straw from the trees and burn it or dispose of it by other means. So we exterminate the pests that are attached to the wrap."

City officials say they are unsure when this straw wrapping of trees began, but they agree the practice leads to a better urban landscape.

Ms. Kang, who works in the downtown area in Gwangwhamun said, "When I see the trees with straw mats, it's a sure sign of winter. If they're off, I know spring has arrived."

by Choi Jie-ho