Review of Selection of Tree Types in HDB Estates

121 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry has consistently reviewed guidelines on the selection of tree types and their locations within HDB estates in light of lessons from tree falls and tree inspections.

Mr Desmond Lee: NParks has guidelines on the selection of tree types and their planting locations. These are aligned with the Best Management Practices of the International Society of Arboriculture. NParks reviews these guidelines regularly, taking into account its experience in tree management, including lessons learnt from tree falls and tree inspections. For instance, NParks selects trees for their hardiness and suitability to be planted in an urban landscape, including in public housing estates. NParks also identifies storm-vulnerable tree species that are prone to failure and removes these trees periodically.

Trees in new public housing estates are planted by HDB, while trees in existing public housing estates are planted and maintained by Town Councils (TCs). NParks shares its best practices on tree risk management, selection of tree species and suitable planting locations with HDB and TCs. On plant health and maintenance, NParks provides a range of training courses and seminars, and certifies the TCs’ arborists using the International Society of Arboriculture framework. This helps TCs to ensure that the trees in public housing estates are well maintained and do not pose a public safety risk.