Felled trees were a threat to safety

From Yap Chung Lee Director, Land Operations (Public), Singapore Land Authority
Today Online 20 Aug 12;

We refer to Ms Ong Ruici's letter "Save the Braddell Road forest" (Aug 11).

Albizia trees are of a species vulnerable to storms and prone to falling down because of their brittle wood structure and shallow root system. Recently, many Albizia trees fell under severe wind conditions and caused substantial damage.

We consulted the National Parks Board and on its advice, in the interest of public safety, we decided to remove Albizia trees with a high chance of falling down.

Where appropriate, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) will replant trees of species that are better able to withstand adverse weather conditions.

With help from a certified arborist, 12 out of 30 mature Albizia trees in the forested State land in front of Braddell View estate were identified as posing significant safety threats.

Before felling the trees, we informed the management corporation of the estate and sought its assistance to inform residents and convey to us any feedback regarding the proposed removal.

It informed the SLA that it had no objections.

The removal work commenced last month. To date, seven trees have been cleared and the remaining five will be removed next month.

We are now identifying other Albizia trees on State land elsewhere in Singapore that threaten public safety.

We will continue to notify nearby residents prior to the commencement of removal work.

We have contacted Ms Ong and she has accepted our explanation.