Chen explains that unlike the trees, bushes, and groundcover of the forest, betel-nut orchards don't absorb and retain rainfall. And since betel-nut trees are palms with V-shaped fronds, they route rainfall straight to the ground, creating ablation channels. Their negative impact on flood control efforts is worsened further by their root systems, which have a relatively loose grip on the earth.
陳信雄解釋，由於檳榔園不像森林中有喬木、灌木、地表植被，對降雨有層層吸附（截留）作用，加上它棕櫚科的樹形，葉片呈 V 字形大缺口，大雨一來就直灌地表，形成沖蝕溝，而且根系抓地力弱，對防洪相當不利。