The Leisure & Cultural Services Department said it removed two withered trees on Upper Albert Road in Central last night to ensure public safety.
The trees removed, Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa), with a height of 22m and 10m are listed on the Register of Old & Valuable Trees. They were confirmed to have brown root rot disease in September 2020 and February 2019.
The department had carried out regular inspections and maintenance of the trees, including crown reduction, cabling and application of fungicide. However, decreased foliage density and obvious signs of advanced wood decay at the roots and trunk base were found.
Upon consultation with the Development Bureau's Greening, Landscape & Tree Management Section, Urban Forestry Advisory Panel, and Central & Western District Council, the trees were removed and two Callery pears will be replanted at a nearby roundabout along Garden Road.
The department reiterated that it will 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.
30 April, 2023
Source: Leisure & Cultural Services Department