Considerations for Tree Pruning Schedules
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns tree pruning schedules, with Mr Saktiandi Supaat inquiring about planning considerations, night pruning feasibility, and timings to avoid expressway congestion. Minister Desmond Lee explained that factors like tree location, species, and maturity guide schedules, with intensified pruning occurring before monsoon seasons. He stated that expressway pruning is restricted to off-peak hours and contractors must suspend work if traffic accumulates to prevent unnecessary disruptions. Additionally, Minister Desmond Lee noted that night pruning is not conducted because visibility issues make identifying structurally weak branches difficult and unsafe. These policies prioritize public safety and structural stability while managing the logistical impact on the road network and the safety of workmen.
Transcript
51 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for National Development (a) what considerations does the National Parks Board take into account in its planning of islandwide tree pruning schedules; (b) whether tree pruning is no longer carried out at night; and (c) whether tree pruning along the side of expressways can be conducted outside of weekends and weekday peak hours so as not to cause unnecessary congestion on expressways.
Mr Desmond Lee: The National Parks Board (NParks) considers several factors such as the location, species, and maturity of trees when planning island-wide tree pruning schedules. NParks also identifies selected trees for pruning to correct their structure and improve their stability. In addition, NParks intensifies its pruning efforts before the onset of monsoon seasons, particularly along major roads, to reduce the weight of tree branches and mitigate potential risks during periods of stronger winds.
Scheduled tree pruning on expressways and major roads is conducted mainly during off-peak hours both on weekdays and weekends to minimise traffic disruption. NParks’ contractors are also instructed to stop work and leave the site when they observe traffic building up along the roads.
The current tree pruning regime does not include night pruning. NParks had previously undertaken a pilot night pruning exercise, and found that even with the use of strong lighting, it was challenging to identify structurally weaker branches in the treetop that needed to be pruned. The inability to see the branches clearly also posed risk to public and workmen safety.