Tuesday, February 14, 2017

First sign of trouble - when trees shed leaves

The New Paper, Tuesday, February 14, 2017, Page 4, Top Stories
From http://epaper.tnp.sg/jr/jrpc.php?date=2017-02-14&page=4&ed=1
Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/first-sign-trouble-when-trees-shed-leaves
By Adeline Tan, tanpya@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, 4 February 2017 at 06:00 am


National Parks Board, which manages the Singapore Botanic Gardens, said it is investigating why the tree fell.
PHOTO: National Parks Board, which manages the Singapore Botanic Gardens, said it is investigating why the tree fell.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u1dPy5Gnua7QC2_UGZOFvVXzKIQffz2Z3G9wkevk2kJMdMa-iwS_m0rfmlVTDEwMKSET3Vm-mm9IyusenAoQYtRW5QZ_KnZXophzxae_aNp_-Q0mmleRruQJxEGsL21HRP2ppJ3n5uHx/s1600/NP_20170213_SOTREE13-K5W_1500348.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/02/13/NP_20170213_SOTREE13-K5W_1500348.jpg?itok=CuQsz0AG
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/first-sign-trouble-when-trees-shed-leaves


The first sign a tree is sick is when it loses its foliage. When its trunk dries up, it means it could topple over soon, said Mr Ng Tze Peng, an arborist of 12 years, from TP Arbo Care.

Mr Ng, who was with the National Parks Board (NParks) for seven years, told The New Paper that if a tree has less than half of its foliage, it is an indication something is amiss.


A huge Tembusu tree fell at the Singapore Botanic Gardens at about 4.30pm on Saturday (Feb 11).
PHOTO: A huge Tembusu tree fell at the Singapore Botanic Gardens at about 4.30pm on Saturday (Feb 11).
ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE, Published on 12 February 2017 at 5:00 am SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioghs5sKRFnGCLz48jE_PlFGKyZPNJdjXCVJ2uPk_kZmtQEPmLijl9m8CRXOYH00zYlU7F451FJXtJ0-w245L0otpB4ZAU-deJcCRZRST0R5m_Xhfh8IsQ_xQ0xtbV-2sCmpAYaeUCDoaZ/s1600/tree112-0001.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/x_large/public/articles/2017/02/12/tree112-0001.jpg?itok=gF50Ijj_
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/huge-tembusu-tree-crashes-at-singapore-botanic-gardens-killing-1-and-injuring-4


"A healthy tree should not have sudden shedding of more than 5 per cent of its foliage.",

The tree's roots, trunk and soil movement are also checked.

The trunk of a tree is checked for cavities, decay or wounds.


People rushing to free those trapped under the tree.
PHOTO: People rushing to free those trapped under the tree. The crash took place near the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, where preparations were under way for a concert.
Visitors rushed to the victims' aid. "One, two, three push," they shouted as they heaved the tree off her. When it did roll away, Mr Ang saw the victim's limp body and her husband sitting in shock by her side. By then, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers had arrived and the crowd was dispersed.
SCREENGRAB FROM VIDEO BY JANE HOOY, Published on 12 February 2017 at 5:00 am SGT, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWuZY9ZkH1Q
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvvipk1n9f2nws7kg4kSQAswq2xjZzn1xDXvSiexUvrunKZlb8LzXZxsnsFydS1pACXqCF4cI7zhtIqFDUZfpCOPH1a-xA_A69kb9A7-d23ZRiEijP0doiYRG0m8l31RvUoL9lA-D8brD/s1600/ST_20170212_WLTREE12URN0_2935947.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/x_large/public/articles/2017/02/12/ST_20170212_WLTREE12URN0_2935947.jpg?itok=gnq5saz0
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/huge-tembusu-tree-crashes-at-singapore-botanic-gardens-killing-1-and-injuring-4


Mr Ng said: "A healthy tree has a firm and solid texture, but if there is decay, then the texture will be mushy and soft."

Fungus may grow in these cavities, or on the trunk itself. Root collars, the areas between the trunk and the roots, and anchoring roots that can be seen, are also checked for decay.

When the tree is suspected to be sick, second level checks are conducted. About 12 ultrasound sensors are placed on the trunk.

Using the soundwaves from the sensors, a digital three dimensional image is formed to display the internal cavities.


Tembusu tree at Botanic Gardens falls, killing 1 and injuring 4. All events there cancelled tomorrow (12 February 2017).
PHOTO: Tembusu tree at Botanic Gardens falls, killing 1 and injuring 4. All events there cancelled tomorrow (12 February 2017).
The fallen Tembusu tree, located near the Gardens’ Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage (SFSS), should not be confused with the Gardens’ famous heritage tree that is featured on the Singapore five dollar note.
Eye witness, Jonathan Ang, was reported by CNA saying that the whole incident happened within about five seconds, and that a “cracking sound” like “thunder” was heard when it happened.
Due to unforeseen circumstances at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Canada 150 concert and movie have been cancelled.
Posted by Henedick Chng on 11 February 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjruRNOF9mcELPZeooymzEECCIW9tHRi9dzbqutY8wnRXWGcWLUzLtUBbV2-ZLeEnBPXzlktmnoZeM40UjHHGq3e4SqDKylODEaMp4LLpcovTJ4RjRucgjY3rzGA9kxHNW0xIdcPvq-MsH/s1600/16508242_10154112041375583_747757991213949286_n.jpg
http://mothership.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/16508242_10154112041375583_747757991213949286_n.jpg
http://mothership.sg/2017/02/tembusu-tree-at-botanic-gardens-falls-killing-1-and-injuring-4-all-botanic-gardens-events-cancelled-tomorrow/


A sick tree will be cordoned off if it has dead branches or major defects and treated with fertilisers, nutrients and pruning.Ex-Singpore Botanic Gardens senior aborist Lahiru Wijedasa said there is a chance a sick tree may not show visible symptoms.

"If there are no visible symptoms, then no second level checks will be conducted. But these are rare."

NParks' group director of Streetscape Oh Cheow Shengsaid first-level inspections for mature trees in the Botanic Gardens usually take up to an hour.


Paramedics attending to the injured after the tembusu tree fell.
PHOTO: Paramedics attending to the injured after the tembusu tree fell. Among those hurt were children. During the rescue work, the police advised the public to stay away from the site.
PHOTOS: LIANHE ZAOBAO, Published on 12 February 2017 at 5:00 am SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_A_1s7OwMCLzhhrl5yssrohMqeZOrOE_74UlycNiAT89DTa-Ena0TTKJkib7cIj5c4GlEK85KkAezK4WK8afax5rrXGERH5Nu4Q_-gYpsA549I-Y2zE57drozcyt-uLo5_BDpJlYAewi/s1600/ST_20170212_TREE12UT3C_2935884.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/x_large/public/articles/2017/02/12/ST_20170212_TREE12UT3C_2935884.jpg?itok=6VpaBeQB
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/huge-tembusu-tree-crashes-at-singapore-botanic-gardens-killing-1-and-injuring-4


"When more detailed inspections are required, second-level checks may take a few hours to half a day... Trees will be thoroughly inspected for defects before we assess the next steps to take. This may include pruning. Removal of the tree will be considered only if there are safety concerns," he said.


The tree was last inspected in September last year and was found to be healthy, said NParks.
PHOTO: The tree was last inspected in September last year and was found to be healthy, said NParks.
The tembusu tree predates the establishment of the Gardens, which was founded in 1859, and became Singapore's first World Heritage Site in 2015.
"As an SBG Heritage tree, it was inspected twice a year, which is of a higher frequency than other trees in the Gardens. The tree was also protected by a lightning conductor and fenced off to prevent compaction of its root zone by visitors. Leaf litter is routinely applied to the root zone to encourage healthy root growth," NParks said.
It added that its first priority was to help the families of the victims.
Visitors to the park were left shocked by the incident.
"We are sad that there was one fatality and four injuries. Our priority now is to accord assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured." - NPARKS, in a statement
SCREENGRAB FROM VIDEO BY JANE HOOY, Published on 12 February 2017 at 5:00 am SGT, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWuZY9ZkH1Q
Additional reporting by Felicia Choo and Janice Tai
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPPM71-vp93E8GL4qIFmUe-3IIT1e3DB1dy_VSbW3QP-a9DR-aN18WJZZWcezFhwB-LXOZwHnhav71HkO7V416ypE0KHIxMCHtAk8yTqowjC_3SN-AAL3kKJYeqvhoEGe59J-rlLLpggH/s1600/ST_20170212_WLTREE12F7EF_2935920.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/x_large/public/articles/2017/02/12/ST_20170212_WLTREE12F7EF_2935920.jpg?itok=ru9CTP8-
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/huge-tembusu-tree-crashes-at-singapore-botanic-gardens-killing-1-and-injuring-4


The 40m tall, more than 270 years old Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Tree - Tembusu (Fagraea Fragrans), a local native tree, fell on saturday, 11 February 2017 at about 4.30pm just before the planned Canada 150 concert and movie (have been cancelled after the accident).
PHOTO: The 40m tall, more than 270 years old Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Tree - Tembusu (Fagraea Fragrans), a local native tree, fell on saturday, 11 February 2017 at about 4.30pm just before the planned Canada 150 concert and movie (have been cancelled after the accident).
Picture posted by Rajeev on Friday, 15 August 2014 at 5:03 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_BCK4JMCDFHUIq4BvrKYmAPn9b2y6tWiek7TkMVgOon48uPCGK7XaFKjNZKMnbTjywUnWCcAGPCLhrsrHZwDtArWcB7MYzX-DeKoLJdY082S9twReaDRuLBDFvnsR9rg2nbMAtLZExQU/s1600/DSC04760.JPG
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vOvj1an3hrMoEbsYdMVRMRzKG8ov91v3WknlA3JrNDqn2stxuLwtx49qV0pCUAl_-QGZmm946HJD85OVWG0C9cT-appv-KMyptLILkGGYKXJ_dc0ykzq8Bnnq4hhK4lNm-HDcg271boy/s1600/DSC04760.JPG
http://www.rajeevmahajan.com/2014/08/botanic-gardens-singapores-eden-visual.html


NParks is investigating the cause of the tree falling.
PHOTO: NParks is investigating the cause of the tree falling. You would seldom see this for the Tembusu tree as they have very large roots and their base is very strong. - CNA/mz
Posted by Melissa Zhu, Channel NewsAsia on 12 February 2017 at 00:36
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZFvyj_9i6UZiMrfNFyghvlRJ43y9pWYl0AG042g1ozMNFRkWH4j0u7dS26jp0VsKeFq8O4IRrojmmXsEh5msJLnjmtMxnCYyevDYEOwSYQ-1hYD5B9Hffgvo5B50nYVSC3FJx99-eTNI/s1600/tembusu-tree-infogfx-data.png
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/blob/3516982/1487027446000/tembusu-tree-infogfx-data.png
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/botanic-gardens-tembusu-tree-that-fell-last-inspected-in/3511820.html

By Adeline Tan, tanpya@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, 4 February 2017 at 06:00 am


Tembusu tree falls at Singapore Botanic Gardens, killing one and injuring four

According to the Singapore Botanic Gardens' website, the Tembusu tree - which was 40m tall with a girth of 6.5m - is estimated to be more than 270 years old and is the largest of its kind in the Gardens.
VIDEO BY JANE HOOY
Published by Zomi Daily on 11 February 2017
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWuZY9ZkH1Q



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