In order to ensure public safety, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (February 17) removed an Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) which was seriously infected with brown root rot (BRR) disease and posed a potential risk of collapse at Lei Yue Mun Park in Eastern District.

     The tree was a 14-metre-tall Scolopia saeva located on a natural slope next to a vehicular access road in the park. It was listed on the Register of OVTs with the registration number LCSD E/13.

     The tree was confirmed to have BRR infection in November 2014. The department had all along carried out regular inspections and maintenance on the tree, including crown cleaning as well as application of fungicide. However, the health and structural condition of the tree did not show any improvement. Sparse foliage density and obvious signs of advanced wood decay at the trunk base and root collar were found, indicating a serious infection of BRR disease and a potential risk of the tree's collapse.

     In addition, the BRR disease was suspected to have spread in the vicinity. Hence, the LCSD recommended the removal of the tree at the meeting of the then Expert Panel on Tree Management under the Development Bureau in November 2016, and obtained the Panel’s agreement. Upon receiving the advice of the Architectural Services Department on the impact of the tree's removal on slope stability and necessary follow-up action, the LCSD arranged to fell the tree today to ensure public safety and control the spread of BRR disease.

     A spokesman for the LCSD said that the department would continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be undertaken only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available.

Ends/Friday, February 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:30

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