Not all Albizia trees in Zehnder Rd will get chop

Reply from SLA and NParks, Straits Times Forum 19 Dec 07;

WE REFER to the letters, 'Retain scenic trees in South Buona Vista Road' (ST, Dec 6) and 'Is there no place for our very own Albizia?' (ST, Dec 10).

Albizia trees generally have shallow roots and can be vulnerable to storm damage. We have considered the feedback and wish to assure the public/writers that the Singapore Land Authority and the National Parks Board are not felling all the wild Albizia in the Zehnder Road vicinity.

We have identified the ones which are in poor condition or are leaning in such a way that makes them vulnerable to storms and strong winds. Among these, 13 will have to be felled now as they pose a danger to the public, given their very close proximity to residential areas and roads.

We will continue to monitor the remaining trees which are in a more thickly forested area. They would be felled if they grow to a height or an extent that poses a similar danger to the public.

We seek the public's understanding that the felling of trees is done for the safety of the public and would like to thank the writers for their feedback.

Chia Hwee Boon
Senior Manager
Land Estate Management
Singapore Land Authority

Tee Swee Ping
Assistant Director
Streetscape (West)
National Parks Board

RELATED ARTICLES

Is there no place for our very own Albizia?
Letter from Yap Yang Ming, Straits Times Forum 10 Dec 07;

Retain scenic trees in South Buona Vista Rd
Letter from Chong Kuan Mui (Ms), Straits Times Forum 6 Dec 07