The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today removed a tree in Fan Leng Lau Pleasure Ground that posed a risk of collapse to ensure public safety.

The Ficus microcarpa, listed on the Register of Old & Valuable Trees, was 13 metres in height. The tree's health was found to be declining since 2016 with four major branches supporting the tree crown having been removed or collapsed due to fungal infection and inclement weather.

Although the department had taken mitigation measures to preserve the tree, including crown cleaning and application of organic mulches and fungicides, its health and structural integrity continued to deteriorate and posed a risk of collapse.

Following consultation with the North District Council, the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel and the Development Bureau’s Greening, Landscape & Tree Management Section, the department removed the tree and will replant a Pterocarpus indicus at the vacant spot.

The department reiterated that it takes a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care, adding that the removal of problematic trees is undertaken only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available.