Editorial | 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 issues its longest black rainstorm alert ever as city pounded by sudden torrential rain
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.