Without trees, what would our city be like?
To maintain the vitality of the city, the work of conserving trees is indispensable.
Hong Kong has precious natural scenery and forest trees, whether in the suburbs or urban areas, trees can also be seen everywhere.
Trees need continuous conservation, proper conservation, and effective management to achieve a city where people and trees are in harmony.
Tree conservation and management is one of the many tasks of urban forestry. Through strategic planning and diversified management, the government manages the trees on government land in an "integrated management approach" so that the plants in the city can grow sustainably and healthily.
The Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Team (Management Team) under the Development Bureau has been coordinating the overall urban forestry work and promoting various strategies.
The following will introduce two strategies for urban forestry: tree life cycle management and conservation of landscape resources and forests to reduce potential risks and ensure public safety, while also allowing citizens to enjoy the benefits of these landscape resources and forests.
Urban Forestry Strategy: Life Cycle Management
Trees are closely related to everyone's lives and bring benefits to the green environment, ecology, microclimate and health of the city.
However, like people, trees will experience a life cycle of "birth, old age, sickness, and death", and their condition will change with time and the environment.
If the tree is not properly maintained, its health and structure will gradually deteriorate.
The government adopts a "comprehensive management approach," according to the location of the tree, and the department responsible for the management of relevant government facilities or land is responsible for the management of the trees.
Tree risk assessment to ensure public safety
Mr. Lo Po Ching, Agriculture and Forestry Inspector of the Development Bureau, stated that in order to reduce the threats to public safety and property caused by trees, the Development Bureau has issued the "Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangements". The tree management department will systematically assess the health and safety of trees in accordance with the guidelines. Structural conditions, identify trees that may be problematic, and make appropriate follow-ups to reduce risks.
In typhoons or heavy rains, trees with poor health and structural instability are especially vulnerable to damage.
Before each rainy season, each tree management department will complete the risk assessment of the trees under their jurisdiction and take appropriate risk mitigation measures to reduce the risk of tree collapse and protect public safety.
He added that the tree management office of the management team established a "tree risk inspection team" in October 2019 to systematically check and review the tree inspection reports completed by the tree management departments to ensure that the tree risk assessment work Proceed in a professional manner.
During the review process, the inspection team will pay special attention to whether the information in the report is correct and complete, and whether the recommended risk mitigation measures are completed on time.
After completing the report review and on-site inspection, if necessary, they will issue an audit report, request the tree management department to follow up, and monitor the progress of the department's follow-up.
Strengthen tree inspections and provide early "consultation" for trees
In order to strengthen the department’s tree inspection work, Ms. Chen Jinfeng, the Agriculture and Forestry Inspector of the Development Bureau, said that the inspection team will take the initiative to inspect locations with high pedestrian and traffic flows every year, covering the relatively busy streets in 18 districts, and identify the problematic roadside trees as soon as possible and refer them immediately. The tree management department follows up, such as pruning, controlling pests, removing dead branches, and even removing the entire tree.
In addition to regular inspections, the inspection team will also make surprise inspections of the tree work carried out by various departments to ensure that the work complies with the "Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health of Arboretum Work" promulgated by the Development Bureau, including inspecting staff’s personal protective equipment and road traffic Safety, first aid equipment, and good working methods and professional ethics for tree work, etc., and suggest areas for improvement to the department.
Issued the "Tree Management Manual" to guide private land tree management
Regarding trees on private land, the management team issued the "Tree Management Manual" in April 2016 to provide tree owners and property managers with guidelines and advice to protect the trees owned and managed under them.
The manual has been incorporated into the "Building Management and Safety Code of Practice" in the "Building Management Ordinance" in 2018.
Every year, the management team will send a letter to remind private property owners that they need to conduct tree risk assessments for trees within their property before the onset of the rainy season, and take appropriate mitigation measures to ensure public safety.
The management team will also organize tree care seminars, workshops and roving exhibitions for private property owners and property management personnel, and strengthen the promotion of tree conservation before the rainy season to deepen the understanding of tree conservation from all walks of life.
Apply smart technology to manage trees and launch a two-dimensional code tree label
In the age of technology, the government uses various smart technologies to manage trees to improve the quality and efficiency of management.
The government launched the "Two-dimensional Code Tree Label" to show the public knowledge about trees, including species, characteristics, and plant anecdotes.
In addition to deepening the public's understanding of trees and paying attention to tree maintenance, it also facilitates the public to report problematic trees and jointly help reduce the risk of tree collapse.
It is expected that in early 2022, the QR code will be the first to be applied to about 200,000 trees beside pavements, parks and public housing estates.
The two-dimensional code tree label will be applied to about 200,000 trees next to the pavement in early 2022.
Tilt sensor intelligently monitors the tilt of trees
In order to detect the swing and stability of trees in Hong Kong, the government commissioned a university research team to install about 8,000 tilt sensors on trees in various districts by the end of 2020, and use smart sensor technology to detect them.
When the sensor detects that the inclination angle of the bottom of the tree trunk exceeds the critical point, the system will immediately send a warning signal to the designated personnel of the tree management department, and then evaluate the risk of collapse, thereby strengthening tree risk management.
The Development Bureau has also cooperated with four departments, including the Architectural Services Department, Highways Department, Housing Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, to monitor trees with sensors installed and take necessary maintenance measures to reduce the risk of tree collapse.
The government has installed about 8,000 tilt sensors on trees in various districts to help monitor them and take necessary maintenance measures.
Gradually replace the trees with potential risks, Taiwan Acacia trees are "retired" one after another
In the past, some planted trees, such as plantations on slopes, have reached the end of their life cycle, posing potential risks to road users.
The planned and gradual replacement of potentially risky trees is another measure of life cycle management.
Ms. Hu Zhining, landscape architect of the Highways Department, pointed out that in the 1950s and 1960s, the Hong Kong government opened a large number of mountains and built roads and built a transportation network. Many new man-made slopes urgently needed plant cover.
At that time, the government introduced exotic species such as Acacia from Taiwan as "pioneer trees" to consolidate slopes. One of their characteristics is rapid growth and effective prevention of landslides.
But now this batch of Acacia from Taiwan has begun to enter the old age, and the trunks are gradually showing problems such as tilting, cracking, withering, rot or being eroded by pests, and there is a potential risk of tree collapse.
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Promote "Inheritance and Continue" in-situ planting of native plants to enhance biodiversity
She continued that the Highways Department has proactively implemented "Chengsi.
To be continued" The slope planting optimization plan systematically removes the aging, structural and health problems of Taiwanese acacia trees, and replants native plants. The plan has so far replaced about 2,000 aging Taiwanese acacia trees.
In addition to actively improving the safety of road users and citizens, it can also promote sustainable development and enrich biodiversity, and create a healthy, safe and sustainable road landscape for oneself and the next generation.
Huang Weicheng, landscape architect of the Highways Department, revealed that the Highways Department has implemented a planting optimization plan for the four artificial slopes along Chuk Yuen Road. These slopes are located between nature and the city. The Highways Department is removing the aging Taiwanese acacia at the same time. Will seize the opportunity to beautify the street landscape and rebuild the native forest habitat on the slope.
The department will first arrange for the removal of the poorly healthy and structurally poor Taiwanese Acacia trees to reduce the negative impact of felling on the landscape. The remaining trees can provide shade and help newly planted plants adapt to the new environment.
As for the planting arrangements, Qiu Weihu, a senior landscape engineer at the Highways Department, pointed out that the Highways Department selected a total of more than 20 native seedlings and arranged for planting in Zhuyuan Road.
When these plants grow, they will have different sizes and seasonal effects, gradually forming rich multi-layered vegetation, providing food sources for local animals in different seasons, inhabiting and feeding by diverse species, and increasing the biodiversity of the entire forest.
In the part close to the road, the ornamental nature of plants is especially important.
The agency not only arranges for the planting of common ornamental plants, but also a variety of native plants with high ornamental value.
The slopes along Chuk Yuen Road have undergone a planting optimization plan for three years. Wong Wai-shing pointed out that after three years of planting and careful maintenance, the vegetation has achieved initial results, and the number of birds and butterflies on the slopes has increased. He also welcomes that the public will pay special attention to the growth of trees. , Experience the vitality of nature.
He admitted frankly that he expects to gradually reduce artificial conservation in the near future, allowing plants to grow healthily on their own.
In addition to the slopes along Chuk Yuen Road, different areas of Hong Kong have successively implemented forestation optimization plans. The slopes of Nam Cheong Street near Lung Cheung Road in Sham Shui Po are also one of the targets of the plan. On the ordinary streets, revitalize the community.
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Old trees return to the community to recycle new products
In addition to replacing slope vegetation, the "Inheritance and Renewal" project also promotes tree recycling, so that the "retired" old trees can live new lives.
Since the implementation of the plan, about 100 tons of Taiwanese acacia wood has been recovered and processed into different products, such as wood panels, outdoor furniture, mobile phone holders, culture materials for growing Ganoderma lucidum, artistic sculptures, and biofuels, bringing the old trees back to the community , Continue to accompany the citizens.
Urban Forestry Strategy: Conservation of Landscape Resources and Forests
In addition to constant management, many trees also need special conservation.
In the metropolis of Hong Kong, development projects are never interrupted.
Regardless of private development projects, government public works projects and the daily tree maintenance work of the department, the guidelines and requirements for tree conservation must be followed.
During the construction period, appropriate protection measures must be provided for the trees retained on the original site, such as the establishment of a tree protection area with sufficient space, and the installation of strong fences or wire fences around the area to prevent damage to the trees.
During the construction period, appropriate protection measures shall be provided for the trees retained on the original site, such as the establishment of a tree protection area with sufficient space.
The tree protection area is delimited by the outermost branches of the canopy downwards, and it is necessary to set up a solid fence or wire fence around to prevent any part of the tree from being damaged during the construction period.
Set up a register of "Old and Famous Trees" for priority conservation
Regarding tree conservation, since 2004, the government has selected suitable trees from unleased government land in developed areas or tourist resorts in rural areas and included them in the "Book of Ancient and Valuable Trees" for enhanced conservation.
These ancient and famous trees have their own characteristics, including big trees, old trees, precious or rare species, trees with cultural and historical significance or outstanding tree shapes.
At present, there are about 450 trees in the book, detailing the species, location and growth status and other information. They are maintained by commissioners from different tree maintenance departments, and detailed inspections are carried out no less than twice a year.
The old and famous trees in the roster are strictly prohibited from being felled or damaged by anyone. Unless the prior approval of the Lands Department and the Development Bureau is obtained, no construction shall be carried out in the place where the old and famous trees grow.
Unless there is a risk of falling trees or branches, old and famous trees cannot be easily removed.
Even if it is suspected that the old and famous trees in the roster may threaten or endanger the life or property of citizens, it is necessary to follow specific procedures, and after detailed assessment, it is confirmed that there are no other feasible risk mitigation measures before consideration can be given to removing the relevant trees.
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Under a sound urban forestry policy, Hong Kong's landscape resources and forests have been continuously conserved.
Tree life cycle management also ensures public safety and enriches the ecology of the community through proper tree maintenance and risk assessment, as well as slope planting optimization plans.
When the trees are "retired", they can develop a "second life" and return to the community in different forms to achieve sustainable development, thus building a city in which man and tree are in harmony.
(Information and photos provided by the customer)
