There is no guessing the age of some of the trees that add the natural colour and texture to the slopes of The Peak.
Some have roots that go back a century, possibly even longer and have stood tall through all manner of changes, storms, battles and key events in Hong Kong.
Protecting trees is a priority for Kerry Properties, the company behind 11 luxury developments on Tregunter Path and May Road which lie on the Mid-Levels slopes of The Peak.
The company employs an arborist, an expert in trees, who works to ensure these trees, Mid-Levels' oldest residents, stay healthy and protected and do not pose a risk to residents.
This includes both the old trees incorporated into the landscaping and newly-planted trees.
In 2007, Kerry Properties introduced a tree risk-management strategy to monitor trees growing around the residences of its luxury leasing sector and to ensure that its residents live in a safe and green environment. According to Lily Choi, senior marketing manager with Kerry Properties, the programme involves assessing the risk potential of old trees and treating diseased trees with the aim of prolonging the life of trees.