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An Old and Valuable Tree in Tung Chung, Lantau Island, was removed to ensure public safety after it was found to have the risk of collapse, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (July 30).
Listed on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees, the 18-metre-tall Chinese Banyan tree, registration number LCSD Is/1, was located just outside the Tung Chung Sitting-out Area near Yu Tung Road.
The spokesman said that during an inspection in mid-2010 the tree was found to have signs of decay in its roots. Monitoring and maintenance works on the tree had been stepped up with a series of remedial measures taken, including the application of fungicide and removal of fungus. However, the health condition of the tree did not show signs of improvement.
"When the tree was last inspected in January and April this year, its tree roots were seriously infected with fungus. The growth of the tree roots and its overall health condition were deteriorating, posing the risk of collapse," the spokesman said.
"The tree was located just outside a sitting-out area and on the side of a local vehicular track. After consulting the Tree Management Office of the Development Bureau, we decided to remove the tree as early as possible to ensure public safety."
The spokesman reiterated that the Department would continue to adopt a prudent approach in managing the trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be the last resort when there are no other viable options to ensure safety.
Ends/Monday, July 30, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:19
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