The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will remove an Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) in Sham Shui Po Park on October 21 in view of its very poor health and structural condition.
The tree concerned is a Eucalyptus robusta listed on the Register of OVTs (registration number LCSD SSP/1).
The tree is 11 metres tall. Its health and structural condition has been deteriorating since 2012, showing signs of termite infestation in its trunk and wood decay in its trunk base, with three open cavities. The LCSD has carried out regular inspections and maintenance of the tree, including applying fungicides, applying fertiliser, conducting soil aeration, placing termite bait, applying pesticide, pruning and removing decayed branches, and cabling to alleviate the tree risk. However, obvious signs of wood decay at the trunk base have been found since 2023. The health and structural condition of the tree have been deteriorating, and it is considered irrecoverable. Considering the heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic at nearby Lai Chi Kok Road, the tree's removal is necessary to ensure public safety.
The LCSD has consulted the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel through the Tree Management Office, and members of the panel had no objection to the removal proposal. Also, having obtained the Sham Shui Po District Council's support, the LCSD plans to remove the tree on October 21 and replant a Plumeria rubra Acutifolia at a nearby location.
A spokesman for the LCSD reiterates that the department will continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be considered only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available.
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