Urgency required on threat of Hong Kong’s dangerous trees
- Hong Kong must improve management of its natural assets in the wake of storm damage and several tragedies
The splendid trees lining Hong Kong’s roads, adorning public spaces and growing in country parks make the city a more enjoyable place in which to live.
But when storms strike, as in recent months, these natural assets become potential dangers. This year, up to the end of October, 4,790 trees fell during bad weather, more than three times the figure for 2022.
Sadly, the brittle bauhinia tree, which gives Hong Kong its emblem, was the worst affected, with 485 toppling. The Formosa acacia and sea hibiscus were also badly affected.
The statistics highlight, yet again, the need for the city to improve its management of trees to ensure they are healthy and able to flourish. Those at risk of falling and causing death or injury must be quickly identified and either removed or made safe.
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Hong Kong has a history of accidents caused by falling trees. A policy review was launched after a teenager died in 2008. A cyclist was killed in 2011 and a truck passenger died in 2012.
A pregnant woman lost her life in 2014 and a domestic helper in 2018. In September last year, a large tree fell on a school bus injuring two people. The following month, a 64-year-old man was killed by a falling branch.
A task force was formed in 2022 and 10 recommendations for improvements made. These are being “implemented progressively”, according to the Development Bureau. New technology is being introduced.
A scoring system to identify roadside trees at risk is under consideration, with their suitability and sustainability to be thoroughly assessed.
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There are so many trees to check, the process will take time. But a sense of urgency is needed. This is a long-standing problem and, with more extreme weather to be expected amid climate change, the risks are high.
Experts have pointed out that there remains much work to be done to ensure trees have good quality soil and enough space for their roots to provide stability. Rigorous maintenance, including pruning, is required.
Too many lives have been lost over the years to falling trees. Steps must quickly be taken to ensure the city’s trees are safe and to improve the way they are planted and maintained.
