In Hong Kong spring is the season of blossom and warm, humid weather. You may see on Facebook recent photos of beautiful Prunus campanulata blossom, commonly known as Taiwan cherry, in places like Tai Mo Shan Country Park, Kadoorie Farm, the Chinese University campus, Cheung Chau and Quarry Bay Park. Bauhinia variegata, commonly known as camel's foot tree, can also be found across the territory, while Tabebuia chrysantha, also known as golden trumpet tree, is now blooming in our urban parks.
While spring has come quietly, the wet and rainy season may come unexpectedly next month. Last year the Hong Kong Observatory issued a Black Rainstorm Warning for the first time in March, with total rainfall in the following two months far exceeding the normal level. Consequently we have to stay vigilant. Since 2010, the Tree Management Office (TMO) has been co-ordinating with major tree management departments to conduct comprehensive annual tree risk assessments before the wet season, and carry out necessary mitigation measures to reduce the risk of tree collapse. These departments include the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Highways Department, the Housing Department, the Home Affairs Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Drainage Services Department and the Water Supplies Department. The TMO spares no effort on this front and has already started its yearly work in the following areas:
(1) Tree management departments started their tree risk assessment work early this year and arranged sufficient manpower to inspect and follow up on necessary risk mitigation measures, aiming to accomplish these tasks before the wet season begins.
(2) A number of seminars on pre-wet season precautionary measures and tree management in private properties are being held from February to April. Roving exhibitions on tree care are being staged at various locations. Information about pre-wet season precautionary measures and tree management in private properties is published in newspapers.
(3) Publicity banners entitled “Tree Care for Private Property Owners” were posted on MTR trains and short videos about tree maintenance and common tree problems were broadcast on green minibuses to remind members of the public to pay attention to tree inspection and to report problematic trees.
(4) Letters were sent to owners’ corporations, owners’ committees, property management companies, schools and subsidised organisations this January to remind private lot owners of their responsibilities in maintaining and managing trees located within their lots. Property management staff are also advised to take out tree protection measures and hire experienced and reputable professional arborists or contractors to carry out such work before the wet season to reduce the risk within their properties or to facilities nearby.
(5) The TMO provides up-to-date information on tree management and public care in the column entitled “Tree Maintenance for Private Properties” on its website (www.greening.gov.hk), including short video clips of tree seminars and information on contractors and professionals.
(6) The TMO calls on members of the public to report problematic trees to the 1823 Call Centre and assist in community surveillance on tree condition.
We note that there are suggestions that the Government should complete the tree risk assessment earlier. However, observing the growth and response of trees in spring is very important for us in deciding what risk mitigation measures should be taken, particularly for deciduous trees, and also for the control of wood-decay fungi which can only be observed in spring or early summer. We consider various factors, such as the physiology of some tree species and pathogen tests when carrying out the annual tree risk assessment. We will continue to do our utmost to prepare for the wet season, notwithstanding the constraints of the season and the tree growth cycle.
Although Hong Kong is an urbanised city, we are fortunate to have a lot of trees and a green environment. We can appreciate beautiful blossoms, greenery and trees in every season.We should treasure these natural assets and provide them with proper maintenance, so as to achieve harmony between people and trees.
22 March, 2015
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