Criteria for Heritage Tree Conservation and Infrastructure Development and Increasing Frequency of Heritage Trees Inspection

Mr Alex Yeo asked the Minister for National Development (a) what criteria does NParks use to balance between heritage tree conservation and infrastructure development needs when deciding whether to preserve or remove heritage trees; and (b) whether NParks will consider increasing the inspection frequency of heritage trees in light of the recent removal of a heritage Angsana tree in Potong Pasir, near Woodleigh due to trunk decay.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The National Parks Board (NParks) takes a holistic approach to managing Heritage Trees, assessing them holistically based on factors such as public safety, health condition, girth size as well as cultural, historical and social value.

NParks inspects Heritage Trees on a half-yearly basis. Where necessary, NParks also carries out detailed inspections using diagnostic equipment and adopts technology for continuous monitoring.