Currently, the Ban flower tree system along many routes in Điện Biên Phủ ward no longer maintains the expected uniformity. There are sections where trees grow well with wide canopies, creating shade and a distinct highlight. Interspersed among them, however, are gaps left by poorly growing trees that have not been replaced in time. In certain locations, the random addition of other plant species over various periods causes the overall space to lack uniformity in species.

As a long-time resident in the area, Nguyễn Thành Trung from residential group 10, Điện Biên Phủ ward, stated that the uneven growth of Ban flower trees has been going on for a long time. Residents have also repeatedly contributed feedback, hoping that functional authorities will draft a plan to review and handle dead trees for timely replacement, while implementing simultaneous planting and unifying species so that the streets look neater and more seamless.

The Võ Nguyên Giáp street is the main traffic axis in Điện Biên Phủ ward, yet the management and maintenance of the greenery system along this route show clear shortcomings. Quite a few Ban flower trees have died but remain standing for a long time without being cut down or replaced, affecting the street’s appearance. Notably, there are locations where residents have repeatedly reported and petitioned, but remedial actions have yet to be taken.

Nguyễn Duy Nghĩa from group 4, Điện Biên Phủ ward, shared: “Right in front of my house is a Ban flower tree with a partially dead trunk and a withered canopy, posing a potential risk of falling during rainy and windy weather. Although I have reported it to the ward authorities, it has not been handled to this day.”

Not only local residents but many tourists coming to Điện Biên have expressed regret that the image of Ban flowers on the streets is not as prominent as expected. For many, the Ban flower is a symbol closely associated with the land of Điện Biên and one of the reasons for their visit. However, upon direct experience, the uneven rows of trees and sparse sections make the impression of a “land of Ban flowers” within the urban space somewhat incomplete.

Đỗ Lai Sử, a tourist from Hà Nội, confided: “When mentioning Điện Biên, many people immediately think of a historic land with a well-preserved and restored relic system. However, during this trip, my friends and I felt that the image of Ban flowers does not stand out as much as expected. There are still Ban flower trees on the streets, but they are uneven - some are large, some are small, and some have stopped growing. If the streets receive more attention, with synchronized planting and care, the landscape will undoubtedly be more beautiful, allowing tourists to both visit historical relics and admire the signature flower of this land.”

Urban greenery plays a role not only in providing shade but also in shaping local identity. For Điện Biên, this is even more evident as Ban flowers are intertwined with cultural life, traditional stories, and festival activities. Therefore, when this imagery lacks unity within the urban space, the issue extends beyond planting and care to the preservation and promotion of the locality’s distinctive values.

Currently, the orientation towards developing a green, smart, and sustainable urban area is being set by Điện Biên province with various specific goals. Among these, the greenery system, especially symbolic tree species, is considered a key factor. However, to achieve this, a comprehensive review is needed, spanning from planning and seed selection to planting, caring, and replacement operations.

For a locality deeply attached to the image of Ban flowers, every row of trees on the street is not merely greenery but also a part of its identity. As long as gaps persist and mixed planting remains unadjusted, the story goes beyond just planting more or replacing dead trees. In the context of heading towards a green urban area, reorganizing the Ban flower tree system in a synchronized manner that matches the space of each street will play a crucial role in enhancing landscape quality. This is also how Điện Biên can retain its unique traits in the current wave of urban development.