Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on maintenance of trees

Jul 8, 2019

Mr Murali Pillai: To ask the Minister for National Development in light of the growing trend of rainfall volatility and intensity causing human and property damage, whether NParks will consider introducing regulations to ensure that all organisations having the responsibility to maintain trees in the vicinity of roads, footpaths, residences, playgrounds and the like apply the same or higher standard of tree inspection and maintenance by NParks.

Answer:

Many organisations, including Town Councils (TCs), take reference from NParks’ tree management contracts when drawing up their own contracts. For instance, their contracts require tree inspections to be performed by arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). These arborists are able to perform tree inspections and maintenance according to the standards stipulated by the ISA, which NParks’ standards are based on.

The Parks and Trees Act already allows NParks to take action against those who are not maintaining their trees satisfactorily. Authorised NParks officers can enter premises to inspect potentially dangerous trees. If the tree constitutes a danger to any person or property, NParks can issue a maintenance notice requiring the occupier of the premises to maintain the tree or take other specified measures to abate the danger. Non-compliance with NParks’ maintenance notice is an offence.

Besides regulatory levers, NParks has also been helping to raise the capabilities of landscape contractors and other organisations that manage trees. This includes providing regular training courses on tree inspection and maintenance, as well as conducting workshops and seminars to share best practices in tree management. NParks will continue to work with organisations that manage trees to ensure that all trees in Singapore are well maintained.