Old and Valuable Tree in Fan Leng Lau Pleasure Ground removed by LCSD

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (April 24) removed an Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) with a potential risk of collapse in Fan Leng Lau Pleasure Ground to ensure public safety.

     The tree being removed was a Ficus microcarpa listed on the Register of OVTs (registration number LCSD N/12) with a height of 13 metres. 

     The LCSD had been closely monitoring the tree's health and structural condition, and the tree's health was found to be declining since 2016 with four major branches supporting the tree crown being removed or collapsed due to fungal infection and inclement weather. Though the LCSD had taken immediate mitigation measures to preserve the tree, including crown cleaning and application of organic mulches and fungicides, the health condition and structural integrity of the tree continued to deteriorate and posed a risk of collapse.  

     Having consulted the North District Council, the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel and the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau, the LCSD removed the tree today and will replant one Pterocarpus indicus at the location. 

     A spokesman for the LCSD reiterated that the department will continue to 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.