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The Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) removed an old tree on a slope of the former Central Government Offices today (May 23) to ensure public safety and prevent a potential spread of brown root rot (BRR) disease to trees in adjacent areas.
The tree, a Ficus virens about 20 metres tall, was maintained by ArchSD and listed on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees (ARCHSD CW/34). During an inspection in September 2014, chlorotic foliage, unusually small leaf size and some dieback twigs were observed. The department referred the case to the Tree Management Office (TMO) of the Development Bureau for field and laboratory diagnosis. The TMO confirmed in November 2014 that the tree had been infected with BRR disease. ArchSD subsequently took remedial measures including application of fungicide and installation of cables.
A resistographic test conducted by ArchSD in April 2015 revealed that the overall structural condition of the tree was fair. However, the BRR infection of the tree was at an advanced stage and rapid deterioration in health and structural conditions was anticipated. ArchSD thus proposed to remove the tree to ensure public safety and prevent further spread of BRR disease to adjacent trees. The TMO and the Expert Panel on Tree Management conducted a joint site inspection in May 2015 and both agreed that the tree should be removed as soon as possible.
Ends/Saturday, May 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
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