Experts inspect Old and Valuable Trees on Nathan Road

A spokesman for the Development Bureau said today (July 26) that the Tree Management Office (TMO) together with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) inspected the 35 Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) along Nathan Road after the typhoon earlier this week. The Expert Panel on Tree Management (EPTM) met today to discuss the inspection reports in detail. The EPTM noted that the LCSD will continue to monitor the health condition of the trees concerned, and will take timely follow-up action.

In addition, after the aforementioned meeting, the TMO together with members of the EPTM jointly inspected the two OVTs (Ficus microcarpa LCSD YTM/11 and LCSD YTM/12) planted in the same tree pit at Park Lane Shoppers' Boulevard where a tree fell last week. The two OVTs were infected with brown root rot disease, but their overall health condition was found to be fair, posing no immediate hazard. Their condition has not worsened after the typhoon. The Administration will continue to treat LCSD YTM/12, but for YTM/11, a cavity had earlier appeared at its trunk base and its canopy has been found to be asymmetric. With reference to the EPTM's suggestions, the Administration will conduct more thorough assessment of the tree to decide whether it should be removed or other mitigation measures are required, for instance carrying out the installation of a support system, in order to reduce the potential risk of tree failure and protect public safety.

Ends/Thursday, July 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:00

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