SINGAPORE - A number of large trees have been cut down in Hougang Avenue 2 to make space for a wider bicycle lane.

A May 15 report by Shin Min Daily News said that the healthy and mature trees, which were planted on the sidewalk beside an upcoming condominium, The Florence Residences, have been removed by the property’s developer, resulting in less shade for residents.

In response to queries, the National Parks Board (NParks) group director of streetscape Oh Cheow Sheng said that NParks had, in March 2020, approved the property developer’s plan to remove some street side trees along Hougang Ave 2 and Hougang Ave 10 that would be impacted by planned road improvement works. 
 
“In May 2023, the developer submitted a new proposal to remove additional trees along Florence Road to enhance the cycling path and associated lighting. The developer had put up signs on these trees to inform residents about their proposed plans,” Mr Oh added.

“We are currently reviewing the request with the developer and relevant agencies and exploring options that would minimise the impact to these existing street trees and to retain them where possible.”

When Shin Min visited the site on May 14, five trees had already been cut down, with only stumps left behind. Nine other large trees had a notice on them, addressed to residents, notifying them of the trees’ impending removal. The note included the contact number of a representative of the property developer.

As at Thursday, The Straits Times understands that 14 trees have been affected so far.

Of the 14 affected trees, five trees that were felled earlier have been approved previously. These removed trees are affected by the development works of the condominium, including the planned road improvement works, Mr Oh said.

A resident who lived in the vicinity, Ms Lin Meijiao, 51, told the Chinese daily that she called the developer’s representative and was told that the removal of the trees had been approved by NParks.

The developer had also sought permission from NParks before starting on the tree-cutting, said Ms Lin, a physiotherapist.

The developer’s representative said that it was still collecting feedback and discussing the matter, she added.

Another resident, Mr Huang, said it would take a long time for a newly planted small tree to grow into a large shade tree again.

“The big tree has been with us for many years. It is not easy. I hope it will not be cut down.”

However, some residents were not bothered by the process.

Mr Derry, who lives in a nearby house, said that there are still some trees meant for shade in the vicinity, and the tree cutting has had little impact on him. 

Another resident, Ms Xie Yanwei, said she understood the need to cut down old trees for urban development and construction.

“It is a good thing to make the road wider and vehicles can pass more efficiently, and the pace of urban development should not be hindered by big trees,” said the 68-year-old retiree.

One user on Facebook said that NParks should have considered relocating the huge trees elsewhere, instead of approving the submission by the developer.

“Trees don’t just grow big in one to two years, regardless of how advanced (technology) is,” he said.

Shin Min observed that the width of the current sidewalk is more than three metres, which is enough to develop into sidewalks and bicycle lanes, while the space occupied by the big trees on the side is only about half a metre.

Mr Huang agreed that the width was sufficient and there was no need to cut down trees for lane expansion.

Mr Oh said: “When assessing applications for tree removal, NParks will review the development plans to determine the need for tree removal and explore if the trees can be retained through design and engineering solutions without impacting the overall health and structural integrity of the trees. “

If any tree has to be removed, NParks will assess if it is suitable for transplanting and identify appropriate transplanting locations. Replacement planting will also be carried out for trees that are removed once development projects are completed.

“In general, for affected areas managed by NParks, three trees will be planted for every tree that is removed, and this planting will be carried out in a tiered planting structure, to enhance ecological connectivity and to cool down the area,” Mr Oh said.

Ms Lin noted that the trees had been in place for more than 30 years and had always been healthy. That walkway is now without shade, and pedestrians will feel even hotter, she said.

NParks is currently reviewing the request with the developer and relevant agencies and exploring options that would minimise the impact to the existing nine trees along Florence Road and to retain them where possible, Mr Oh said.

ST has contacted the developer of The Florence Residences for comment.