The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (November 22) removed two withered Old and Valuable Trees (OVT) at Sai Yee Street Garden in Mong Kok in order to ensure public safety. 

     The trees being removed were Tabebuia donnell-smithii listed on the Register of OVTs with a height of 7 metres (registration number LCSD YTM/109) and 6 metres (registration number LCSD YTM/111) respectively. The health of both trees was found to be deteriorating by the LCSD, with sparse tree crown density and twigs dieback since 2015. Since then, the department had all along carried out enhanced maintenance and regular health inspections on the trees so as to make corresponding follow up arrangements. However, the health condition of the trees had not improved.

     The LCSD conducted on-site tree inspections in April and May 2022, and confirmed that the trees were withered. It did not pose an imminent danger but had a potential risk of collapse. The department then installed temporary supports to prevent the trees from falling and consulted the Yau Tsim Mong District Council about removal of the trees, with no objection being received. The Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau also informed the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel of the proposal to fell the trees. The trees were therefore removed today for the sake of public safety, and the LCSD will replant two Tabebuia chrysantha at the location.

     A spokesman for the LCSD reiterated 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/Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:15

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