Letters | Are old Chinese banyans no longer safe even in Hong Kong’s churchyards?
- Old Chinese banyans are likely to have structural problems but these should be managed so that the tree itself is not destroyed
The magnificent Chinese banyan in the grounds of the Bishop’s House on Lower Albert Road has dwelt there blissfully for probably over a century. Generations of church administration have found the massive companion a blessing, and have coexisted with it in a comfortable niche at the top of a slope.
The rare gentle giant was indeed a natural treasure of the neighbourhood. Day in and day out, it offered invaluable ecosystem services, including cool shade, gentle breeze, the music of birdsong and rustling leaves. All such handsome gifts and finery of nature have been annihilated by its recent destruction. For all intents and purposes, removing its limbs and foliage – as was seen to have been done recently – is tantamount to extinguishing its life.
It would be very unusual for a tree of this size and age not to have some physiological or structural problems. If some parts of its huge torso were indeed suffering from certain ailments, it could have been treated or subject to localised pruning – rather than wholesale removal.
What was the scientific and objective basis of the drastic decision? Was professional advice sought from the government’s Tree Management Office?