Risk of Falling Trees and Branches During Storms

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked the Minister for National Development if he will provide an update on the measures taken to assess the condition of trees and the risk of trees and branches falling during a storm.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Last year, there were about 1,400 incidents of tree failures, that is, fallen trees or branches. While this is a sharp drop from about 3,100 cases in 2000, we have intensified our tree management programme as adverse weather is becoming more frequent in recent years.

First, NParks has sharpened its regular inspection of its trees for signs of poor condition, disease, pests or structural defects. It pays particular attention to the larger mature trees, especially those in areas with high vehicular traffic.

Second, NParks has intensified its tree safety inspection, pruning and replacement efforts. Mature trees along expressways and major roads are now inspected once every 12 months and 18 months respectively. Since Sep 2010, NParks has pruned more than 466,000 trees. This has helped to reduce the weight of the foliage, enhancing the trees' stability during rainstorms.

Third, NParks is progressively replacing storm-vulnerable roadside trees with hardy species.

Fourth, NParks is installing instruments in areas prone to flooding and soil water-logging, to monitor the soil moisture, rainfall and wind conditions. Such information can prompt NParks to take appropriate preventive actions, as even healthy trees can also fall during gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

While we continue the concerted efforts to minimise tree failures, we are mindful that with more than 1.3 million trees in Singapore, some tree failures may still happen from time to time.

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