2 Tree Survey Findings and recommendations

_2.1_{Tree Survey}

2.1.1 A comprehensive survey of all trees potentially impacted by the XRL over all works sites and works areas was conducted in mid 2008 under MTRCL consultancy NEX2110. The tree survey information presented herein is an extract from that survey.

2.1.2 Since the 2008 survey was undertaken, the XRL gazettal boundary has been slightly revised, necessitating an additional survey which has been undertaken in early 2009. The trees identified from this additional survey are identified in the tree survey drawings and schedules by a prefix “U” before the tree number (e.g. U0001).

2.1.3 The following technical circulars, practice notes and publications have been referenced:

¨ Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

¨ Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department – Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 02 (Rev. Jun 2006)

¨ Country Park Ordinance (Cap. 208);

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hand Landscape Features;

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation;

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¨ Highways Department Technical Circular No. 3/2008 - Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department;

¨ General Regulation (GR) 740;

¨ Standing Interdepartmental Landscape Technical Group (SILTECH) Publication - 'Tree Planting and Maintenance in Hong Kong' (Webb, 1991);

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Publication - 'Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong' (2004) and

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Publication - 'Check List of Hong Kong Plants' (2004).

¨ Highways Department – Landscape Unit – Requirements for Handover of Vegetation to Highways Department (undated)

¨ HyD Guidelines HQ/GN/13 on Interim Guidelines for Tree Transplanting Works under HyD's Vegetation Maintenance Ambit

2.1.4 Trees were surveyed individually and the following characteristics are recorded in the Tree Schedule in Appendix I:

¨ tree reference number;

¨ District within which tree is located;

¨ photograph number;

¨ botanical name;

¨ Chinese common name;

¨ Height (m);

¨ trunk diameter at 1.3m above ground level (m);

¨ crown spread (m);

¨ form (good / fair / poor);

¨ health (good / fair / poor);

¨ amenity value (high / medium / low);

¨ survival rate after transplanting (high / medium / low);

¨ Government Department responsible for maintenance of the tree. This is based on the ETWBTC(W) 2/2004 “Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape features”, Appendix A “Areas of Responsibilities of Departments on Maintenance of Vegetation”;

¨ Government Department responsible for providing expert advice to LandsD on removal of the tree. This is based on the ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”, Appendix B “Departmental Responsibilities for Providing Expert Advise to LandsD for vetting of Tree Removal Applications”;

¨ trees in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees are identified in accordance with ETWBTC(W) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¨ trees considered as “Important Trees” in accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”

¨ trees considered as “Wall Trees” as defined in HyD TC No. 3/2008 on Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department

¨ other remarks.

2.1.5 Following the assessment of the impacts of the XRL works on the trees, the following information has been added to the Tree Schedule:

¨ Recommendation (Retain / Retain and Prune / Transplant / Fell); and

¨ Justification for the Recommendation (i.e. reason why the tree is unavoidably affected by the works)

_2.2_{Tree Classification
Criteria}

2.2.1 In the tree survey, trees have been assessed and classified in accordance with criteria for classification of form, health, survival rate and amenity value, as described below.

Form (Good / Fair / Poor)

2.2.2 Tree Form is classified as follows:

a) Good: trees with well-balanced form, upright, evenly branching, well-formed head and generally in accordance with the standard form for its species;

b) Fair: trees with generally balanced form with natural compensations for loss of branches or leaning trunks;

c) Poor: trees with very unbalanced form, leaning, contorted, bending trunk, suffering from loss of major branches with general damage and growing close to adjacent trees.

Health (Good / Fair / Poor)

2.2.3 The "Health and Condition" of trees is assessed by evaluating the following criteria:

a) Foliage

¨ Colour and general appearance; and

¨ Presence of insect and/or fungal infection.

b) Branches

¨ Presence of dead, broken, cut or crossing branches;

¨ Presence of heavy horizontal branches which may cause tree instability; and

¨ Presence of any special phenomena of the branches likely to cause hazard.

c) Trunk

¨ Presence of tightly forked or multi-ascending trunk may be a sign of weakness (depends on specie);

¨ Presence of cavities or internal/ external rot as may be evidenced by presence of moisture seeping through the trunk, and / or fungi growing on the trunk; and

¨ Serious bark damage.

2.2.4 Based on evaluation of above criteria, the classification of ‘Health and Condition’ is as follows:

d) Good: Trees with a low incidence of the less serious features listed above and a high chance of a fast recovery from such features.

e) Fair: Trees with a higher incidence of the less serious features and a medium chance of recovery from those features.

f) Poor: Trees with more serious health features listed above and with a low chance of recovery from those features, even with remedial treatment.

Survival Rate Following Transplanting (High / Medium / Low)

2.2.5 The assessment of the survival rate of trees following transplanting is evaluated as High, Medium or Low, taking account of the following criteria:

¨ the typical ability of that tree species to survive transplanting;

¨ the tree size, form and existing health condition;

¨ the presence of any physical impediments to the preparation of root balls, such as wall, utilities, manholes, rocks, foundations etc.; and

¨ the inclined angle of the tree roots – the steeper the incline, the less chance of survival.

2.2.6 The grading of "Survival Rate following Transplanting" is therefore as follows:

a) High: Over 60% chance of survival provided that proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

b) Medium: 30-60% chance of survival provided that proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

c) Low: Less than 30% chance of survival even if proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

Amenity Value (High/Medium/Low)

2.2.7 The positive contribution of trees to their surrounding urban and landscape context is expressed as their "Amenity Value". Factors that are taken into consideration in the assessment include:

¨ Conservation value: Trees on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees (ETWBTC(W) 29/2004). “Important Trees” as defined in ETWBTC(W) 29/2004 “Tree Preservation”. Rare or protected species, as listed by the Agriculture and Fisheries & Conservation Department. Fung Shui significance is also taken into account.

¨ Functional value: provide screening, shade or shelter. provide screening, shade or shelter.

¨ Age and maturity.

¨ Visual impact: the degree of positive visual impact created by the tree, or conversely, the degree of adverse visual impact that would result from loss of the tree.

¨ Status & form: a good representative specimen of its species, present condition, potential hazard and stability.

2.2.8 The grading of "Amenity Value" is therefore as follows:

a) High: “Old and Valuable Trees” and “Important Trees”. Rare or protected species. Trees with fung shui significance. Mature trees with good health condition and form.

b) Medium: Common species with average health, medium condition and acceptable form. Rare or protected species, fung shui significance , but with poor health condition and form.

c) Low: Common weedy species, little or non-functional common species with poor health condition and poor form. Young and small trees of common species in accordance with the mature size for its species.

2.2.9 Trees with conservation value, rare and protected tree species, trees with ecological, trees with historical significance and fung shui trees are identified in the remarks column of the assessment schedule.

“Old and Valuable Tree” or “Important Tree”

2.2.10 If the tree is on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees, it is identified in the Schedule as an “Old and Valuable Tree” (OVT).

2.2.11 In accordance with ETWBTC(W) 29/2004 “Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation””, if a tree meets one or more of the following criteria, it is identified in the Schedule as an “Important Tree” (IT):

¨ Trees of 100 years old or above;

¨ Trees of cultural historical or memorable significance e.g. Fung Shui tree, tree as landmark of monastery or heritage monument, and trees in memory of an important person or event;

¨ Trees of precious or rare species;

¨ Trees of outstanding form (taking account of overall tree sizes, shape and any special features) e.g. tree with curtain like aerial roots, trees growing in unusual habitat; or

¨ Trees with trunk diameter equal or exceeding 1.0m (measured at 1.3m above ground level), or with height/canopy spread equal or exceeding 25m.

“Wall Trees”

2.2.12 Wall trees as defined in HyD TC No. 3/2008 on Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department are identified in the Remarks column in the Schedule.

“Exempted Trees”

2.2.13 Certain types of tree are exempted from the control requirements of ETWBTC(W)3/2006, including:

¨ Trees made hazardous due to natural causes such as lightning, typhoon, torrential rain or landslide;

¨ Dead, dying or diseased trees; and

¨ Self-seeded trees of undesirable ‘weed’ species such as Leucaena leucocephala.

_2.3_{Assessment of Impacts on
Trees}

Design Reference Documents

2.3.1 In order to determine whether or not the existing trees will be affected by the proposed works, reference has been made to the latest available engineering designs, being prepared by the MTRCL’s Design Consultants.

2.3.2 For ease of reference, the engineering design for the engineering works has been overlaid on the tree survey drawings.

Description of Project Works in Tsuen Wan District

2.3.3 The XRL section within the Tsuen Wan District involves the following major works.

¨ the Shing Mun Ventilation Building (VB5) at Cheung Shan Estate Road West.

Additional Works Areas

2.3.4 Recognizing the necessity of adequate site area required for an extensive work of this nature, additional works areas have been reserved for part or the entire duration of the project in the following locations:

¨ a temporary barging point at Yam O on Lantau Island,

¨ a temporary works area at Kwok Shui Road, and

¨ a temporary tunnel excavation access point with associated temporary site formation works at Yau Ma Hom Road in Shek Yam.

Necessity for Removal of Trees

2.3.5 In order for these Works to be constructed a certain minimum number of trees must inevitably be removed.

2.3.6 Detailed discussions have been held with the design engineers to ensure that the impact on these existing trees along is minimised, and the total number of affected trees is kept to the minimum required to undertake the works. Regarding the Temporary Works Area at Kwok Shui Road, the design engineer maintains that the impacts on the trees are unavoidable.

2.3.7 The Tree Schedule in Appendix I includes a column providing the justification why a tree is unavoidably affected by the works.

Basis of Recommendation to Transplant

2.3.8 Trees that are unavoidably affected by the works and need to be removed are selected for transplanting instead of felling on the basis of the principles outlined in ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, paras 17(b) and (c):

a) Trees that are unavoidably affected by the works and need to be removed are selected for transplanting instead of felling on the basis of a combination of factors including the location of the tree; the species, form, health and amenity value of the tree; the ease and cost of transplanting; the survival rate following transplanting and safety of transplanting operation. All of the following criteria must be satisfied for a tree to be recommended for transplanting instead of felling:

¨ Form and health are at least “fair”;

¨ one of the categories “Amenity Value” and “Survival Rate” is “high” and the other is at least “medium”;

¨ the tree is of high conservation value, including rare and precious species;

¨ the tree is easily accessible, not on steeply sloping ground, and safe to transplant;

¨ there are no objects such as manholes, waterpoints, hydrants etc. that would interfere with rootball preparation; and

¨ tree preparation and transplanting must be able to be undertaken safely;

b) Transplanted trees that have to be temporarily or permanently removed off-site (ref. ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, para 17(c)) because they cannot be kept within the project site during the construction works are selected in accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, para 17(c)), which states that to strike a balance between cost and benefit, only trees with high conservation value, or high amenity value including rare and precious tree species and which have a “high” success rate following transplanting should be considered for transplanting off-site.

2.3.9 In addition to the above considerations, and in accordance with LCSD practice, affected street trees that are under the jurisdiction of LCSD are recommended for transplanting if they are in good condition.

Basis of Recommendation to Fell

2.3.10 If a tree that has to be removed is not selected to be transplanted according to the criteria above, then it is recommended to be felled.

2.3.11 In addition, the following trees are recommended to be felled, irrespective of whether or not they are affected by the works:

¨ all dead trees within the gazettal boundary;

¨ trees within the gazettal boundary considered hazardous to public safety and which cannot be rendered safe by tree pruning work; and

¨ trees within the gazettal boundary with contagious pests or diseases that cannot be eradicated by pest or disease control measures.

_2.4_{Summary of Implications
For Trees}

2.4.1 In summary, the Tree Survey reveals that:

a) There are 386 living trees (plus 14 ‘exempted’ weed trees) identified inside, or just outside, the Gazettal Boundary in the Tsuen Wan District, plus 1 dead tree. All dead trees are recommended to be felled.

b) 309 of the living trees (plus 12 ‘exempted’ weed trees) can be retained in situ during and after the Works.

c) 42 trees are recommended to be transplanted as a result of the Works.

d) 35 trees (plus 2 ‘exempted’ weed trees) are recommended to be felled as a result of the Works. (In addition, 1 dead tree is to be felled).

Old and Valuable Trees and Important Trees

2.4.2 There are no Old or Valuable Trees (as listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Tsuen Wan District.

2.4.3 There are no Important Trees (as defined by ETWBTC(W) 29/2004) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Tsuen Wan District.

Wall Trees

2.4.4 There are no Wall Trees in the Gazettal Boundary in the Tsuen Wan District.

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Species

2.4.5 A breakdown of the affected trees by species is provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 – Impacts on Trees by Species

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	180				180
Aleurites moluccana			1	3	4
Antidesma ghaesembilla	1				1
Aporusa dioica	7				7
Archontophoenix alexandrae	9				9
Bauhinia blakeana	2				2
Bauhinia spp.				2	2
Bauhinia variegata	4				4
Bombax ceiba	1				1
Bridelia tomentosa	4				4
Casuarina equisetifolia	8			2	10
Celtis sinensis	4				4
Clausena lansium	1				1
Cleistocalyx operculatus			1		1
Cratoxylum cochinchinense	15				15
Eucalyptus citriodora				3	3
Eucalyptus saligna	3				3
Eucalyptus spp.	2				2
Ficus hispida	1			1	2
Ficus microcarpa	17				17
Ficus religiosa	1				1
Glochidion lanceolarium	3				3
Leucaena leucocephala	(12)*			(2)*	(14)*
Liquidambar formosana	4				4
Litsea cubeba	1				1
Litsea glutinosa	2				2
Macaranga tanarius	7				7
Melaleuca quinquenervia	5		11		16
Microcos paniculata	3				3
Nerium oleander				10	10
Plumeria rubra			20		20
Rhus succedanea	1				1
Sapium discolor	3				3
Sapium sebiferum	6				6
Schefflera heptaphylla	1				1
Syzygium jambos			8	11	19
Tetradium glabrifolium			1		1
Thuja orientalis	1				1
Vernicia montana				1	1
Grand Total	297 (309)*	0	42	33 (35)*	372 (386)*

*Under EWBTC(W)3/2006 Leucaena leucocephala is considered a self-seeded weed tree and can be felled w/o compensation. Totals without brackets exclude Leucaena. Totals in brackets include Leucaena.

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Government Department

2.4.6 A breakdown of the affected trees according to the Government Department responsible to advise Lands Department under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 is provided in Tables 2.2 to 2.5.

Table 2.2 – Affected Trees for which LCSD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	1				1
Aleurites moluccana			1	3	4
Archontophoenix alexandrae	7				7
Bauhinia spp.				2	2
Clausena lansium	1				1
Cleistocalyx operculatus			1		1
Eucalyptus citriodora				3	3
Leucaena leucocephala	(10)*			(1)*	(11)*
Macaranga tanarius	1				1
Melaleuca quinquenervia	5		11		16
Plumeria rubra			20		20
Schefflera heptaphylla	1				1
Syzygium jambos			8	11	19
Thuja orientalis	1				1
Vernicia montana				1	1
Grand Total	17 (27)*	0	41	20 (21)*	89

*Under ETWBTC(W)3/2006 Leucaena leucocephala is considered a self-seeded weed tree and can be felled w/o compensation. Totals without brackets exclude Leucaena. Totals in brackets include Leucaena.

Table 2.3 – Affected Trees for which AFCD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Archontophoenix alexandrae	2				2
Casuarina equisetifolia				2	2
Grand Total	2			2	4

Table 2.4 – Affected Trees for which HyD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	176				176
Antidesma ghaesembilla	1				1
Aporusa dioica	7				7
Bauhinia blakeana	1				1
Bauhinia variegata	1				1
Bridelia tomentosa	4				4
Casuarina equisetifolia	8				8
Celtis sinensis	4				4
Cratoxylum cochinchinense	15				15
Eucalyptus saligna	3				3
Eucalyptus spp.	2				2
Ficus hispida	1			1	2
Ficus microcarpa	17				17
Ficus religiosa	1				1
Glochidion lanceolarium	3				3
Leucaena leucocephala	(2)*			(1)*	(3)*
Liquidambar formosana	4				4
Litsea cubeba	1				1
Litsea glutinosa	2				2
Macaranga tanarius	6				6
Microcos paniculata	3				3
Nerium oleander				10	10
Rhus succedanea	1				1
Sapium discolor	3				3
Sapium sebiferum	6				6
Tetradium glabrifolium			1		1
Grand Total	270 (272)*	0	1	11 (12)*	282 (285)*

*Under ETWBTC(W)3/2006 Leucaena leucocephala is considered a self-seeded weed tree and can be felled w/o compensation, although HyD consider that they should be compensated if felled as a result of works not associated with horticultural maintenance or woodland management. Totals without brackets exclude Leucaena. Totals in brackets include Leucaena.

Table 2.5 – Affected Trees for which HD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	3				3
Bauhinia blakeana	1				1
Bauhinia variegata	3				3
Bombax ceiba	1				1
Grand Total	8				8

3 Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting proposal

_3.1_Introduction

3.1.1 The compensatory tree planting and transplanting proposals are indicated on the drawings in Appendix III and described below. The drawings indicate

¨ the existing trees that have been recommended to be retained;

¨ proposed trees; and

¨ locations of trees transplanted back to the site at the end of the works.

_3.2_T_r_{ee
Protection, Tree Pruning, and Tree Transplanting}_Proposals

Tree Protection Strategy

3.2.1 As identified in the Tree Survey, a number of trees that are proposed to be retained will be within the railway works areas and great care will need to be taken during construction to ensure that no damage occurs to them. Tree protection measures written into the contract documents shall include the provision of sturdy protective fencing located along the edge of the tree protection zone (not just around the tree trunk); prohibition of storage of any materials under the tree protection zone; prohibition of construction traffic under the tree protection zone; and prohibition of cleaning out of concrete mixers, or washing of equipment underneath the tree protection zone. The contractor is required to fulfil the requirements regarding tree protection work as stated in the Particular Specification for Tree Works, Soft Landscape Works & Related Work, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Pruning Strategy

3.2.2 During the course of construction work, some trees which are recommended to be retained in their existing positions may need to have their roots or branches pruned to enable nearby construction work. The specification for the tree pruning works will be according to the Soft Landscape Works Particular Specification, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Transplanting Strategy

3.2.3 Whenever possible along the XRL, trees proposed to be transplanted will be moved directly to a final location within the works boundary. However, such final receptor locations will not be immediately available for all transplanted trees due to the works programme, in which case the trees that cannot be immediately located to a final receptor site will be transplanted to a Temporary Holding Nursery until such time as it is appropriate to transplant them to their final location.

3.2.4 In Tsuen Wan District, 42 trees are identified for transplanting. It is considered impractical to immediately relocate these transplanted trees to final receptor locations in the vicinity of the project works in Tsuen Wan District due to lack of space during construction, and the temporary works areas and temporary barging point are not considered suitable destination sites since the long term use of these sites is uncertain.

3.2.5 Therefore, 3 transplanted trees are proposed to be relocated immediately after lifting to permanent receptor sites in the vicinity of the project works in Tuen Mun District, namely Lok On Pai Barging Point (see C8001/T/XRL/URB/C04/355 A1).

3.2.6 The remaining 39 transplanted trees are will be held in the project Holding Nursery until such time as they can be transplanted back within the Project site at the following locations:

a) 22 trees at the Shing Mun Ventilation Building (VB5) at Cheung Shan Estate Road West (see C8001/T/XRL/URB/C04/353 A2);

b) 17 trees at the access road to the magazine site at Siu Lam Freshwater service Reservoir in Tuen Mun District (see C8001/T/XRL/URB/C04/356 A1 ).

3.2.7 The exact final receptor sites of the transplanted trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering work.

3.2.8 The specification for the tree transplanting works will be according to Particular Specification for Tree Works, Soft Landscape Works and Nursery Works, attached in Appendix V.

_3.3_{Compensatory Tree Planting}

Compensatory Tree Planting Strategy

3.3.1 In accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, the compensatory planting proposal has the basic primary objective of planting compensatory trees in a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of quality and quantity.

Numbers of Compensatory Trees

3.3.2 A total of 35 trees are proposed to be felled (plus 2 ‘exempted’ trees).

3.3.3 To replace this amount of tree, total 47 standard trees plus 4 heavy standard trees will be provided as compensatory trees, representing mimimum ratio of compensating planting over 1:1 by number. (refer to plans 822/W/PHV/ATK/A58/845 B1 and 822/W/SMV/ATK/A58/823 B1 respectively).

Locations for Compensatory Tree Planting

3.3.4 The approximate locations of the compensatory tree planting are indicated in the Compensatory Tree Planting Plans attached in Appendix III. The exact final locations for the compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

Recommended Tree Species for use in XRL Project

3.3.5 Tables 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 list suggested tree compensation species to be used along the XRL. There are four lists for different primary functions – street / roadside avenue trees; native woodland planting (not on SIMAR slopes); ornamental planting (not on SIMAR slopes); and tree and shrub planting suitable for SIMAR slopes.

3.3.6 It should be noted that the lists are not exhaustive or exclusive, and landscape designers responsible for the detailed designs shall be permitted to propose suitable alternative species that meet the functional requirements of the landscape design.

Table 3.1 : Tree / Palm Species suitable for Native Woodland Planting (not on SIMAR Slopes)

Native Species Only

Ailanthus fordii (Ailanthus)

Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree)

Bauhinia variegate (Camel’s foot tree)

Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry)

Celtis sinensis (Chinese hackberry)

Choerospondias axillaries (Hog Plum)

Cinnamomum burmannii (Cinnamon tree)

Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)

Ficus superba var. japonica (Superb fig)

Ficusvariegata var. Chlorocarpa (Common red-stem)

Ficus virens var. sublanceolata (Big-leaved fig)

Liquidambar formosana (Sweet gum)

Litsea glutinosa (Pond spice)

Litsea monopetala (Persimmon–leaved Litsea)

Machilus chinensis (Hong Kong Machilus)

Machilus thunbergii (Red Machilus)

Phoenix hanceana (Spiny date-palm)

Reevesia thyrsoidea (Reevesia)

Schefflera heptaphylla (Ivy Tree)

Sapium discolor (Mountain tallow)

Sapium sebiferum (Tallow-tree)

Sterculia lanceolata (Scarlet Sterculia)

Table 3.2 : Tree / Palm Species suitable for Roadside and Street Tree Planting

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Aleurites moluccana (Candlenut tree)

Bischofia javanica (Autumn maple)

Bombax ceiba (Cotton tree)

Crateva unilocularis (Spider tree)

Liquidambar formosana (Sweet gum)

Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paper-bark tree)

Falcataria moluccana (Batai, Albizia)

Tabebuia rosea (Pink Trumpet)

Terminalia mantaly (Madagascar Almond)

Table 3.3 : Other Tree / Palm Species suitable for Ornamental Planting (not on SIMAR Slopes)

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)
Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-pod Wattle) Acacia confusa (Acacia, Wattle) Acacia mangium (Acacia, Wattle) Archontophoenix alexandrae (King palm) Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree) Bauhinia variegata (Camel’s foot tree) Callistemon viminalis (Tall bottlebrush) Callistemon rigidus (Stiff bottlebrush) Caryota ochlandra (Fishtail palm) Cassia fistula (Golden shower) Cassia siamea (Kassod tree) Cassia surattensis (Sunshine tree) Casuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail tree) Cerbera manghas (Cerbera) Erythrina corallodendron (Coralbean tree) Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree) Erythrina speciosa (Common Coral tree) Erythrina variegata (Indian Coral tree) Ficus elastica (India-rubber Tree) Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree) Ficus rumphii (Mock Peepul Tree)	Grevillea banksii (Bank’s Grevillea) Grevillea robusta (Silk oak) Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape-myrtle) Livistona chinensis* (Chinese fan-palm) Magnolia grandiflora (Lotus-flowered Magnolia) Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac) Michelia x alba (White champak) Millettia brandisiana (Mempari) Plumeria acutifolia (Frangipani) Plumeria rubra (Frangipani) Pterocarpus indicus (Burmese rosewood) Roystonea regia (Royal palm) Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree) Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) Syzygium cumuni (Java Plum) Syzygium jambos (Rose Apple) Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree) Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm) Washingtonia robusta (Petticoat palm)

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-pod Wattle)

Acacia confusa (Acacia, Wattle)

Acacia mangium (Acacia, Wattle)

Archontophoenix alexandrae (King palm)

Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree)

Bauhinia variegata (Camel’s foot tree)

Callistemon viminalis (Tall bottlebrush)

Callistemon rigidus (Stiff bottlebrush)

Caryota ochlandra (Fishtail palm)

Cassia fistula (Golden shower)

Cassia siamea (Kassod tree)

Cassia surattensis (Sunshine tree)

Casuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail tree)

Cerbera manghas (Cerbera)

Erythrina corallodendron (Coralbean tree)

Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree)

Erythrina speciosa (Common Coral tree)

Erythrina variegata (Indian Coral tree)

Ficus elastica (India-rubber Tree)

Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree)

Ficus rumphii (Mock Peepul Tree)

Grevillea banksii (Bank’s Grevillea)

Grevillea robusta (Silk oak)

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape-myrtle)

Livistona chinensis* (Chinese fan-palm)

Magnolia grandiflora (Lotus-flowered Magnolia)

Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac)

Michelia x alba (White champak)

Millettia brandisiana (Mempari)

Plumeria acutifolia (Frangipani)

Plumeria rubra (Frangipani)

Pterocarpus indicus (Burmese rosewood)

Roystonea regia (Royal palm)

Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syzygium cumuni (Java Plum)

Syzygium jambos (Rose Apple)

Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree)

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

Terminalia catappa (Indian almond)

Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm)

Washingtonia robusta (Petticoat palm)

*Livistona chinensis is native to South China

Table 3.4 : Tree and Shrub Species suitable for Planting on SIMAR Slopes

Primarily Native with some Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Trees*

Shrubs

Acacia auriculiformis (Ear Pod Wattle)

Acacia confusa (Acacia)

Acacia mangium(Acacia)

Celtis sinensis (Chinese hackberry)

Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)

Ficus superba var. japonica (Superb fig)

Ficusvariegata var. Chlorocarpa (Common red-stem)

Ficus virens var. sublanceolata (Big-leaved fig)

Litsea glutinosa (Pond spice)

Litsea monopetala (Persimmon–leaved Litsea)

Machilus chinensis (Hong Kong Machilus)

Machilus thunbergii (Red Machilus)

Reevesia thyrsoidea (Reevesia)

Schefflera heptaphylla (Ivy Tree)

Sapium discolor (Mountain tallow)

Sapium sebiferum (Tallow-tree)

Sterculia lanceolata (Scarlet Sterculia)

Ardisia crenata (Hilo Holly)

Baeckia frutescens (Dwarf Mountain Pine)

Duranta repens (Golden Dewdrop)

Gordonia axillaris (Gordonia)

Ilex pubescens (Downy Holly)

Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet)

Melastoma candida (Melastoma)

Melastoma sanguineum (Melastoma)

Microcos paniculata (Microcos)

Psychotria rubra (Wild Coffee)

Raphiolepis indica (Hong Kong Hawthorn)

Rhododendron pulchrum (Purple Azalea)

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Rose Myrtle)

Uvaria microcarpa (Uvaria)

Vitex negundo (Negundo Chaste Tree)

*The ability to use tree species in the planting will depend on the angle of slope.

Tree and Shrub Planting on SIMAR Slopes

3.3.7 Tree and shrub planting will be applied on SIMAR slopes to achieve an attractive greening effect. Tree planting on steep SIMAR slopes will normally not use large plant stock (Heavy Standard) but will normally use whips. Whip planting will normally be undertaken at spacings of 1.2m to 1.5m, depending on circumstances, and a mix of tree and shrub species will be planted in a matrix. Species will be selected from Table 3.4. Other species may be used subject to agreement with Highways Department. On very steep SIMAR slopes tree planting may not be acceptable from a geotechnical standpoint, in which case planting will be limited to shrubs.

Programme for Compensatory Tree Planting

3.3.8 The compensatory tree planting will be undertaken as part of the XRL works contracts. The compensatory planting will be programmed to be complete by the time of the opening of the railway, so that the mitigation effect of the planting is felt from day one of the railway operation. The detailed programme for the compensatory tree planting will be determined by the works contractors to meet this requirement. The trees will be planted at the earliest possible time.

_3.4_{Consolidated Findings of Tree Survey and Compensatory Proposals in this}_Plan

3.4.1 Table 3.5 summarises the consolidated findings and recommendations of the tree survey and compensatory planting proposals.

Table 3.5 : Summary of Tree Totals for TLP-4: Works in Tsuen Wan District

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Total Trees in Tsuen Wan District

Trees to be retained

Trees to be retained and pruned

Trees to be transplanted

Trees to be felled

(excludes 1 dead tree)

Proposed Compensatory Tree Planting

372 (386)*

297 (309)*

33 (35)*

47 Standard and

4 Heavy Standard

3.4.2 A total of 386 trees (including 14 “exempted” ‘weed’ trees) currently exist in the area covered by TLP-4. There are no Old or Valuable Trees (as listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees), and no ‘Important Trees’ (as defined by ETWBTC(W) 3/2006), and no Wall Trees.

3.4.3 309 trees will be retained (including 12 weed trees), 35 trees will be felled (including 2 ‘weed’ trees), 42 trees will be transplanted, and 51 compensatory trees will be planted.

3.4.4 3 transplanted trees will be relocated immediately to a permanent receptor site at Lok On Pai Barging Point. The remaining 39 transplanted trees will be held in a holding nursery until such time as they can be relocated back within the project site to the locations shown in the compensatory plans.

3.4.5 The exact final locations of the transplanted and compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

_3.5_{Compliance to EIA Report
and EP Requirement}

3.5.1 The landscape mitigation measures as stated in the EIA report are shown in the drawings in Appendix III and summarized in table 3.6.

Table 3.6 Proposed Planting as Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures as Stated in the EIA Report (plan ref. NOL/ERL/300/C/XRL/ENS/M54/619 - 621.)

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Drawing No. Showing the Mitigation Measures
OM1	Compensatory tree planting should be incorporated into the proposed Project where space is available	822/W/SMV/ATK/A58/823
OM3	Tall buffer tree planting should be incorporated to provide screening to vent buildings, engineering structures and associated facilities.	822/W/SMV/ATK/A58/823
OM3a	Roof greening to mitigate the visual impact of the vent building on the VSRs at high level.	822/W/SMV/ATK/A58/827
OM5	Roadside amenity trees to enhance the landscape and visual quality of the existing and proposed road.	822/W/SMV/ATK/A58/823

# The mitigation measure OM5b as shown in the drawing NOL/ERL/300/C/XRL/ENS/M54/620 Rev. C will not be adopted due to insufficient spacing available for landscape planting in the toe of the slope as per the latest slope design.

3.5.2 The landscape plan, compensatory tree planting and transplanting plans shown in Appendix III are based on the latest design at the date of this submission. Subsequent design, if any, would comply with the requirement of provision of minimum number of compensatory trees and mitigation measures as stated in the approved EIA.

	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
Tree Planting and Landscape Plan	Trees Surveyed in Gazettal Boundary	Trees to be Retained	Trees to be Retained and Pruned	Trees to be transplanted	Trees to be Felled	Compensatory Tree Planting
***TLP-1: Works in Yau Tsim Mong District	2410 (2540)*	1497 (1533)*	4	373	536 (630)*	835
***TLP-2: Works in Sham Shui Po District	1116 (1458)*	427 (590)*	2 (3)*	474	213 (391)*	281
***TLP-3: Works in Kwai Tsing District	54 (67)*	36 (38)*	0	4	14 (25)*	14
**TLP-4: Works in Tsuen Wan District	372(386)*	297 (309)*	0	42	33 (35)*	51
**TLP-5: Works in Tuen Mun District	1084 (1150)*	897 (954)*	9 (16)*	0	178 (180)*	240
***TLP-6: Works in Yuen Long District – Mai Po	109 (121)*	16 (20)*	1	8	84 (92)*	99
*****TLP-7: Works in Yuen Long District - Remainder	4245# (4937)*	1301# (1462)*	0	176#	2768# (3299)*	4650#
CUMULATIVE TOTAL	9390 (10659)*	4471 (4906)*	16 (24)*	1077	3826 (4652)*	6170#

1 Introduction

2 Tree Survey Findings and recommendations

3 Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting proposal

4 Cumulative Tree Felling and Tree Compensation for the XRL