It is Government policy to provide priority protection to Old and Valuable Trees. The Government has identified some 500 Old and Valuable Trees on unleased Government land within built-up areas or tourist attraction spots in village areas. Built-up areas include both metro and new town areas but excluding country parks. Registration in the Register of Old and Valuable Tree is based on one or more of the following criteria:
Tree of particularly large size (i.e. either trunk diameter or height or canopy spread), taking into consideration the normal size of such species. In terms of size, the following standards generally be used:
The population of a species is in scarcity based on professional judgement and the number of tree species recorded in the inventories kept by Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
The planting date of the tree had been traced as far as practicable to check whether its age was over 100 or not. If the planting date was not known, consideration can be given to comparing the nominated tree with other trees of the same species over 100 years old.
A tree which was known to have cultural, historical or memorable significance.
Trees bear an outstanding form in terms of their aesthetic and landscape significance.
In addition, the conditions of the trees on the following aspects will be assessed before registration-
Health and physical conditions, such as the presence of any extensive cavities, cracks or diseases etc. or poor branch structure, which may endanger its structural stability or resulting in public safety hazards.
Tree that would soon reach its end of life expectancy will not be included in the register.
The importance of the tree in the landscape will be assessed with regard to its prominence in relation to the surroundings and the presence of environmental constraints. Factors such as very close to a building or blocking sightline of drivers would also be considered.
The special features of the tree will be assessed and compared with similar trees in the Register to see whether such features are representative of its kind and whether the tree has any special scientific and ecological value.
The Tree Register was set up since July 2010 to provide information to the public on Old and Valuable Trees (OVT) and Stone Wall Trees (SWT).
With enhancement of the public website in September 2015, the Tree Register presents the latest information of trees on a geo-referenced map with search functions and statistical summary.
Disclaimer
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including its servants and agents) makes no warranty, statement or representation, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, availability, completeness or usefulness of the information, contained herein, and in so far as permitted by law, shall not have any legal liability or responsibility (including liability for negligence) for any loss, damage, or injury (including death) which may result, whether directly or indirectly, from the supply or use of such information.