Introduction

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:

(a) Tree of large size

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:

1. Trunk diameter
   Trees with trunk diameter of or over 1 000 mm (measured at 1.3m above ground level).
2. Height
   Trees of or over 25m in height.
3. Canopy spread
   Trees with spread of or over 25m in diameter.

(b) Tree of precious or rare species

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.

(c) Tree of particularly old age (e.g. over 100 years old)

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.

(d) Tree of cultural, historical or memorable significance

A tree which was known to have cultural, historical or memorable significance.

1. Cultural Significance
   Well-known Fung Shui or landmark trees or trees within known woodlands.
2. Historical Significance
   Landmark trees preferably with evidential records to support the historical significance of the trees.
3. Memorable Significance
   Trees associated with special memories such as those planted by a senior government official, or local / foreign dignitaries and celebrities for commemorating special events.

(e) Trees of outstanding form

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-

(a) Health and physical conditions

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.

(b) Life expectancy

Tree that would soon reach its end of life expectancy will not be included in the register.

(c) Location

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.

(d) Representative of its kind

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.

Tree Category:

• Old and Valuable Trees (OVT)
• Stonewall Trees (SWT)
• OVT and SWT