Responding to a recent incident alongside Estrada Nova in which an about 70-centimetre-long dry branch of a Ficus rumphii (commonly known as Mock Bodh Tree), with a diameter of about five to eight centimetres broke off, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement yesterday that the branch was believed to have broken off due to the downpours lately.
The statement noted that the recent high temperatures and torrential rain accelerated the ageing of the branch, causing it to break off.
According to the statement, the tree has been on the government’s official old tree protection list since September 2016. The tree, which was pruned on June 12, is healthy, the statement said, adding that in addition to the tree inspection on June 13, a thorough inspection of the crown of the tree has already been carried out.
The bureau urged landscapers, landowners and the general public to regularly check and follow up on the condition of trees before the monsoon season in particular, while also taking preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of accidents.
The bureau promised in the statement that it will continue to monitor the situation of old trees throughout the city.
Anyone who finds abnormalities in the trees can contact the bureau by calling 2833 7676 or via “IAM Connect”, according to the statement.
This undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows two IAM officials removing the broken-off branch from the Mock Bodh Tree on Estrada Nova mentioned in yesterday’s statement by the bureau.
