Bishan - Trees

Are Albizias 'killer' trees?
Residents sad that those in park got the chop
Thursday November 15, 2007
Letter from Sharon Lee Siew Kiang

The Government's move to set aside $700 million to develop new parks and enhance existing ones, such as East Coast Park and the Botanic Gardens, should be applauded. While this initiative targets mostly large parks, the need to preserve the greenery in smaller parks should not be overlooked.

Over the weekend, I was shocked to find workers chopping down several mature trees (picture) in the small park at the junction of Bishan and Braddell roads.

When I called the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, I was told the trees that had been chopped down were Albizia trees. These were the same species as the one that had fallen on a woman at Bukit Batok Nature Park in May and a contractor the Town Council had engaged, recommended the trees be felled.

While I am saddened by the woman's death, I wonder if that unfortunate incident, which is a rare occurrence, makes it necessary to chop down all the trees of that species.

These trees have been in the park for more than 30 years. They help to block noise and dust from vehicles that use the neighbouring Braddell flyover, and provide shelter for residents from the afternoon sun.

What's even more puzzling is the fact that the Town Council intends to build a family park in this area, and called a meeting with the residents on July 21 to discuss its plan.

During the meeting, new plans for the park were unveiled which showed that the existing trees would be conserved.

This was done after the residents had voiced their opposition to having most of the trees removed, as called for in the original plan.

I would understand perfectly if the trees had been removed if they were diseased or infested with termites.

However, chopping down healthy mature trees because of the possible risk they present displays a blatant disregard for residents' wishes and the need to save the environment.
I hope the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council and the National Parks Board can provide some answers. Couldn't they have taken some preventive measures to save or transplant the trees instead of chopping them down?

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