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An Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) that was found to be at potential danger of collapse was removed from Kowloon Park today (September 30) for public safety, a spokesman for the Leisure and Culture Services Department (LCSD) said.
The tree, a 17-metre-tall Albizia lebbeck, was located next to the footpath outside the Colour Garden and listed on the Register of OVTs with the registration number LCSD YTM/61.
The spokesman said the OVT originally had two co-dominant trunks. During a joint inspection with Tree Management Office (TMO) and Expert Panel on Tree Management (Expert Panel) of the Development Bureau and LCSD in October 2012, splitting was found at the union of the trunks and the tree had tilted. In order to reduce its load and the risk of collapse, the department removed one of the main trunks in November 2012. Thereafter, the department continued its regular detailed checks and appropriate maintenance of the tree while monitoring the possibility of the tree tilting further. According to the detailed inspection by the LCSD in August this year, the health and structural condition of the tree was fair.
However, following the passage of a tropical cyclone in mid-September, the LCSD discovered a 10-centimetre deep horizontal crack in the tree base. The department immediately conducted a comprehensive structural assessment of the tree and found its structure had deteriorated with a high potential risk of collapse. To ensure public safety, the department immediately cordoned off the area and notified the TMO of the situation. Upon the consultation of the Expert Panel, the TMO agreed to the urgent removal of the tree for the sake of public safety. The removal works were completed today.
The spokesman reiterated that the department would continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing the trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be undertaken only when no other viable risk reduction option is available.
Ends/Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:50
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