Trees don't worsen smog, officials say

Contrary to rumor, windbreaks have 'no relation' to airflow over northern areas

National forestry and weather authorities dismissed rumors that rows of trees planted as windbreaks and to block blowing sand have worsened air pollution in northern China by slowing air movement.

Since November, severe smog has frequently engulfed the northern region, including Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, partly because there have been more windless days, they said.