Hsiao Wen-wei, Tree Doctor--Making Forest House Calls

Thirty-year-old Hsiao Wen-wei is presently the leading forestry pathologist of National Taiwan University's Hsitou experimental forestry unit. In addition to his research work, he often spends his days driving out to treat sick trees around the island. He is gradually gaining reknown for these far-flung "house calls" and often receives requests to examine trees, but he never accepts payment for doing so as he believes that this is not something that can be measured in money.

Hsiao has a simple and direct passion for trees that began during his military service. He had graduated from NTU in plant pathology and microbiology before entering the military. The base he was posted to happened to have a sick tree, and an officer called him out to investigate. However, while the young Hsiao knew academic theory well, he lacked hands-on experience. For a while he couldn't even explain how to treat a termite infestation, and he felt ashamed.

He dicided that he had some catching up to do, and spent all the free time he could following his seniors at the forest pathology lab on tree examinations. After completing his military service, he entered a graduate program in plant pathology at NTU. While writing his dissertation, on the protection of Taiwan's old trees, he examined and treated more than 100 trees, giving him the experience he draws on today.

The "Husband-and-Wife Tree" of Puli

After choosing to follow this path, Hsiao received a lot of support. He says the tree-lovers backing him have helped him to continue to improve, and he has made many friends while treating trees.

The experience that has left the strongest impression on him occurred four years ago, when he received an urgent phone call from the owner of Yungchun Farm in Puli requesting he head down south to examine a pine tree at the farmer's home.

The next day, Hsiao hurriedly packed his kit and drove down. He was greeted by the man, Wang Teng-kuei, who was in his 80s, and his son-in-law, who was in his 70s. Wang seemed very happy to see Hsiao, yet during a meal seemed too depressed to eat. If his pine tree had contracted pine nematodes, Hsiao thought to himself, it was a lost cause.

On examining the tree, Hsiao breathed a sigh of relief, for the problem was just a common case of pine needle blight. When Wang heard this, his face brightened as if a heavy burden had been lifted from him.

Hsiao was curious-to many people this was simply a tree, but the change in old Mr. Wang's mood indicated that it meant much more to him. Yet Wang said nothing, and the doctor didn't ask. However, every time Hsiao passed through Puli, he would make a special side-trip to visit Wang and to give the tree a booster shot against pine wood nematodes.

Last year Wang passed away, and Hsiao Wen-wei went to pay his respects. It was only then that he learned from Wang's son that that tree was planted by Wang and his wife when they married. After the death of his wife years ago, Wang was very lonely, and that commemorative tree was his only solace. No wonder the old man was so worried and depressed about the tree. Hsiao was deeply moved by this expression of true love.

Trees in the city

Summing up his experience, Hsiao Wen-wei sighs, "Trees in the city have the least happiness and the most problems." He says the main function of trees' roots is to absorb water and nutrients, and that of the leaves is to conduct photosynthesis. However, trees on city sidewalks are always allotted but a small square of dirt amidst the concrete. The roots cannot breathe, and the poor air quality means the leaves cannot do their job either.

Hsiao Wen-wei selflessly travels throughout Taiwan on his mission, and it's a sign of his dedication that he's gone through three cars in seven years! Still, he wants nothing but to put what he's learned into practice and to educate people about tree health. As for how to keep a tree healthy, he says, "It's actually much the same as for a person. Prevention is better than cure, and you need accurate consultation as the sooner you identify a problem the sooner you can start treating it."