Revamp possible for way Hong Kong's trees are handled

The much criticised way in which the authorities handle the city's trees could be in for a revamp when a newly commissioned study is released late next year, according to the government's new chief landscaper.

Findings of the study - commissioned by the Development Bureau - may be used to formulate policies and set standards for frontline staff in managing trees and landscapes in public places.

The bureau engaged a consultant in September to conduct a "human resources and competence survey" on tree management. It expects to receive the results late next year, according to Deborah Kuh, a Melbourne-based landscape architect who became the bureau's new head of greening, landscape and tree management in May.

The study will help the government to better understand problems in the system and make better use of resources to solve them, she said.

For instance, experts have long expressed concern about the lack of professionally trained tree specialists and the absence of a qualification and recognition system for these specialists - ranging from certified arborists to chainsaw operators.

This has been partly blamed on the poor management of trees throughout the city. Trees which have fallen down have damaged buildings and caused traffic disruption, and in a few cases injured or even killed people.