Lam Tsuen villagers in Tai Po may select another tree from Guangzhou to put next to their ailing wishing tree after doubts were raised about their original choice.
They had originally chosen a mature banyan about 80 years old from a private garden in Guangzhou. But that tree has been elaborately trimmed, and local tree expert Jim Chi-yung said this month that it was not suitable to be transplanted because it had been damaged by the excessive pruning.
Another problem was that many of its deep roots would have to be cut, he said.
Tai Po district councillor Cheung Hok-ming said yesterday that the villagers' representatives had added another tree to their selection list after considering Professor Jim's advice.
'We are concerned about conserving the trees and their welfare after moving to Hong Kong,' Mr Cheung said.
'The new option is a less trimmed tree of the same age and in the same garden of our original choice. We are still discussing which tree to take.'
Bringing a new tree to Lam Tsuen is part of a HK$5 million plan to revive tourism in the village.
