Increasing Frequency of Inspection on Trees in Dempsey Area to Detect Trees At Risk of Falling
Ministry of LawSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the frequency of tree inspections in the Dempsey area managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and whether these checks will be increased, as raised by Ms Hany Soh. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai stated that SLA-managed trees in Dempsey are inspected every six months by certified arborists to assess health and stability. He explained that SLA adopted this highest frequency under the National Parks Board's six-to-24-month management framework due to high activity in the area, and SLA continues to review these measures. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai added that certain Dempsey areas are managed by tenants who are responsible for their own tree maintenance. Following a fallen tree incident on 22 August 2026 in a tenant-managed area, subsequent arborist checks found surrounding trees safe, and the tenant is strengthening its inspection regime.
Transcript
71 Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Law (a) what is the frequency of checks conducted on trees located on land in the Dempsey area managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA); and (b) whether SLA will increase the frequency of checks on these trees to detect trees at risk of falling as early as possible.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: For the areas at Dempsey directly managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), trees are inspected every six months by certified arborists. They check the overall health and stability of the trees, including looking out for exposed roots and signs of decay.
SLA's tree inspection regime takes reference from the National Parks Board's tree management regime, under which the frequency of tree inspections ranges from once every six to 24 months. As Dempsey is an area with significant traffic and activity, SLA has adopted the highest frequency in that range, of once every six months. SLA will continue to review whether further measures are necessary.
In addition, some areas at Dempsey are managed by SLA's master tenants and tenants, who are responsible for the maintenance of the properties, including the trees within. The fallen tree incident which happened on 22 August 2026 occurred within an area managed by a tenant.
Immediately after the incident, the tenant engaged a certified arborist to check on the safety and integrity of trees around the area as a precautionary measure. The checks found the trees in the area surrounding the fallen tree to be safe. Nevertheless, the tenant is working with its arborist to strengthen the inspection and maintenance regime for the trees under its charge.