Gist of the Twelfth Meeting held on 11 December 2013

1. OVT LCSD ST/12 at Chik Chuen Street
   • Members expressed concern on the health conditions of OVT LCSD ST/12 and requested for more information in particular on the soil condition.
2. Consultancy Study on "Evaluation of Trichoderma species as a biological control agent against Phellinus noxius infected trees in Hong Kong"
   • Members were briefed on the progress of field trial on the application of the Trichoderma species as a biological control agent on a Phellinus noxius infected tree.
3. Report on mitigation measures for OVT LCSD SSP/16
   • Members were briefed on the continued tilting of OVT LCSD SSP/16 towards the carriageway and the damage of the adjacent private property. The property owner was required to repair the wall and the root system of the tree would inevitably be affected as a result.
   • In general Members considered the situation critical and that a prompt decision should be made as the problem would be more serious as the tree continued to grow and the wall repair work would probably cause the tree to topple. While a prop to support OVT LCSD SSP/16 should be explored before the commencement of the wall repair work, the prop would likely reduce the width of the carriageway and obstruct the vehicular ingress/egress and hence it would not be acceptable.
   • Members were briefed that the proposals of building a prop and carrying out reduction pruning had been examined over the past years. The current development, in particular that of the growth rate and increasing tilt as well as the significant cracks on the boundary wall and gate of the adjacent property, was the main concern from a safety point of view. Having regard to the interests of different parties, the priority should remain on the protection of human lives and property against the hazard of toppling over of the gigantic tree.
4. Report on mitigation measures for Canary Island Date Palms along Magic Road, Penny's Bay
   • Members were briefed on the progress of the implementation of the integrated pest management plan by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Disneyland and the Highway Department. The efforts were appreciated.
   • The Meeting agreed that LCSD should remove the dead T17 as soon as possible and arrange post mortem analysis to examine signs of insect pupa and/or larva and further enhance the integrated pest management plan and practices against the source of the problem.