The National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA) - tapping on each other's resources and expertise - have embarked on their biggest tree-banks project.

They have set aside four sites in Sungei Tengah and the West Coast area to nurture young trees to meet Singapore's future landscaping demands.

'These trees will liven up Singapore's streetscape and add more than a touch of greenery in upcoming significant NParks projects such as Gardens by the Bay, the Streetscape Greenery Masterplan and new park developments,' said a joint statement from SLA and NParks on Wednesday.

SLA takes charge of Singapore's 14,000 hectares of state land. It is now also the tree bank of some 11,000 trees planted on four land sites - three in Sungei Tengah and one in West Coast.

The Sungei Tengah site in Lorong Pasu covers 24 ha and the West Coast site provides seven ha of tree-bank space.

The 11,000 trees that have been planted so far comprises 72 different species of trees, with 75 per cent being species found in the region. The tree banks also serve as temporary holding areas for trees salvaged from various sites before they are transplanted in other parts of Singapore.

SLA's Deputy Director of Land Asset Management Services, Mr Lewis Koh, said on Wednesday: 'This joint initiative by SLA and NParks to create tree banks effectively optimises the use of vacant State land, and provides a long-term supply of trees for landscaping needs in Singapore.

'Our State lands are beautified aesthetically and this enhances the value of our land as green lungs for the community. We will continue to identify and study sites with the potential for tree banks on more State land.'

Added NParks' Director of Streetscape, Mr Simon Longman: 'The tree banks allow us to pre-grow quality trees, and provide lush greenery and better shade at a faster rate.

'We are also able to make available trees of more diverse species. Many of these tree species are native to the forests of this region. By planting them in various parts of Singapore, we are introducing a greater biodiverse mix of trees in urban areas and enhancing our natural heritage'

To maximise the land space at the current sites and simplify inventory process of the stocks, NParks planted the trees plantation-style using a patented system of root control bag from the United States which will ease the transplanting process in about five years' time.

The bags help contain the root structure of the plants, making harvesting easier and quicker.