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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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An Old and Valuable Tree in Wan Chai removed due to root rot
An Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) on Queen's Road East in Wan Chai that was infected with brown root rot disease was removed to ensure public safety, the Highways Department announced on Monday.
The OVT being removed was an 11-metre-tall Ficus microcarpa and was listed in the Register of OVTs with registration number HYD WCH/1. The tree was confirmed to have brown root rot disease (BRRD) infection in late 2020.
The HyD has been strengthening maintenance works and regular inspections for the tree since then, and implementing a series of corresponding measures such as regular surveying of the displacement of the tree, resistograph testing, pruning of wilted branches and improving soil quality.
However, when conducting another tree risk assessment early this year, the Department found that the tree foliage was still sparse with further wilting. In addition, mycelial crust was also found on more areas of the tree base, indicating that BRRD had further spread and caused irreversible health and structural damage to the tree, posing a risk of tree failure.
The HyD began the emergency removal works today after consulting the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau and the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel, and will replant an ornamental plant at a nearby location after the tree removal.
The HyD has been strengthening maintenance works and regular inspections for the tree since then, and implementing a series of corresponding measures such as regular surveying of the displacement of the tree, resistograph testing, pruning of wilted branches and improving soil quality.
However, when conducting another tree risk assessment early this year, the Department found that the tree foliage was still sparse with further wilting. In addition, mycelial crust was also found on more areas of the tree base, indicating that BRRD had further spread and caused irreversible health and structural damage to the tree, posing a risk of tree failure.
The HyD began the emergency removal works today after consulting the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau and the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel, and will replant an ornamental plant at a nearby location after the tree removal.
