Spot suspect tree: Teach us

Straits Times Forum 24 Jul 10;

THURSDAY'S report ('Man killed by tree: Family seeks compensation') noted that the computerised system of the National Parks Board (NParks) automatically schedules inspections for every tree along our roads and in our parks.

It is unrealistic to expect every tree within NPark's purview to be inspected at close intervals and not be at risk of causing property damage or bodily harm.

Singapore may be a small city. Yet it certainly is not small enough for NParks to ensure that all trees lining and beautifying our roads, pavements and parks are inspected or pruned every day, week or month. The average full cycle appears to be at intervals of between 12 and 18 months.

While government agencies may well need to strengthen infrastructure and step up maintenance services - and we still need to rely on the expertise of arborists - it is probably more effective to depend on ordinary residents on the ground.

If we can nurture a culture where the public takes a more active interest and has a heightened sense of one's environment, prevention - call it 'green risk management' - might just work bigger wonders.

For instance, NParks could start an initiative to better educate the public on how to spot trees with overhanging canopies or obstructive branches that need pruning.

A dedicated hotline could be started and reports systematically investigated quickly.

Help from such green-space 'cops', or citizens on patrol, will complement the work of the tree professionals.

Residents could be encouraged to adopt a stretch of road or park to monitor. The sense of ownership may make them more alert to tree problems in their neighbourhoods.

In this way, the collective strength and common sensibilities of communities can be tapped and put to good use in making our environment not only a greener one, but also a safer one.

Lee Seow Ser (Ms)

Steps taken to educate public about trees
Straits Times Forum 29 Jul 10;

WE REFER to Ms Lee Seow Ser's letter last Saturday ('Spot suspect trees: Teach us').

The recent spate of bad weather has been challenging for our trees, and we thank members of the public like Ms Lee who have shown support and understanding.

In the past two months, our staff and contractors have been working hard on the ground to step up our tree inspection and pruning. In addition to our scheduled 15,000 tree inspections per month, we have inspected another 2,000 trees along expressways and major roads and done pruning to reduce the weight of their crowns. We will continue with this intensified maintenance regime.

Ms Lee suggested that we can educate the public to help the National Parks Board spot trees that need pruning. In fact, we already organise tree appreciation walks for the public. These walks are led by our arborists in selected parks and the participants learn about our trees. We will increase the frequency of these walks and include more information about tree care.

We receive regular feedback from the public, who call our 24-hour helpline 1800-471-7300 whenever they spot trees in need of our attention.

Our arborists usually respond to such feedback on the same day. Sometimes, we also receive requests from individuals to remove trees. We do not accede to such requests if there are no reasons to do so.

We seek the public's continued support and give our assurance that we are fully committed to our responsibility.

Simon Longman
Director (Streetscape)
National Parks Board