Green value: This Albizia julibrissin in Sau Mau Ping Estate has been named one of the top 10 favourite trees by public housing tenants.

About 2,500 public housing tenants have had their awareness of estate greening raised by voting for their most favorite trees. This is the first activity of its kind held by the Housing Authority.

The top 10 trees elected are: Albizia julibrissin (Sau Mau Ping Estate), Ficus virens (Mei Lam Estate), Ficus elastica (Tai Hing Estate), Ficus microcarpa (Lai Kok Estate), Delonix regia (Oi Man Estate), Phoenix dactylifera (Lee On Estate), Ficus altissima (Choi Hung Estate), Ficus rumphii (Sha Kok Estate), Roystonea regia (Tze Man Estate) and Ficus microcarpa (Ma Hang Estate).

Officiating at the prize-presentation ceremony today, Deputy Director of Housing Lau Kai-hung said the activity aimed to promote tenants' participation in environmental conservation and estate greening, and their awareness of the department's efforts in these areas.

Tenants' votes accounted for 65% of the total marks for the nominated trees. The other 35% were determined by a panel of adjudicators, with representatives from the Institute of Landscape Architects and the department.

The trees were judged by form, condition, amenity value and species.

Mr Lai said last year the department planted some 1,000 trees in estates, and ground cover plants, shrubs and palms that covered more than 110,000 square metres.

Green treatment to 90 existing and newly formed slopes, as well as tree conservation and transplanting were also provided.

Details of the top 10 favorite trees will be available at the Housing Authority's website.