国内朋友请使用翻译软件阅读本文。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
The media cutting underneath described how yet another case of Tree Planting has failed & repeatedly damaged properties nearby. The local politician proposed to 'strengthen' Tree Protection in order to minimize any future Tree Failure in strong wind such as typhoons which would be subject to professional scrutiny of Practicing Arborists since we understand it is very difficult to erect trees against typhoon for the newly planted.
It is all too common in HK that we hear the maintenance party is not doing the job right to care & protect the trees. However, the international understanding would be that if a tree is not selected & planted right in the beginning, future maintenance would be expensive & usually ineffective. This fact has been reiterated in ISA discussion many a times & it is agreed by Practicing Arborists all over the world.
ISA believes in the 'Right Tree in the Right Place' for any fruitful Tree Planting. If a tree is selected poorly by species, location & in poor quality, with the planting process damaging the rootball or the rootball miniaturized during packing for transport convenience & cost saving, then no matter in what name of 'flowering', 'scent' or 'good-looking', it will be 'Mother Nature makes the Rules' for the result. This tree would usually grow poorly, become sick easily, & then eventually become a Time Bomb to fail in wind to give us public inconveniences. International experience has shown that when such a tree is maintained for whatsoever reason, the running cost would be high & rectification treatment would be mostly ineffective in the long run.
Then the critics would shout blue murder at the maintenance parties when they see trees degrading to poor conditions as such. Would they think why the trees have become such a state in the first place? Would this also be a fair judgment in a civilized & democratic society like HK supposed to believe in the Rule of Law ??
It appears to be all so easy nowadays to criticize in our society where not giving a constructive solution at the same time. Would such practice enhance the quality of Tree Planting in the long run?
The intention to set up the Tree Management Office (TMO) in HK is likely to resolve our Tree Planting problems gradually. Rome was not built in a day & the public must have patience & tolerance to untie a knot so big & complicated left over from history. What the TMO might have interest in & priority to look into would be first of all the Roadside Trees where traffic & pedestrians rolling constantly underneath. This is the most high risk area whereas one of such trees killed a young lady in Stanley in Aug 2008. The TMO may also contemplate to eventually forbid planting big spreading species like the Ficus which would develop naturally a tree crown of +20m wide if undisturbed. This species may be 'good looking' in the beginning but turning into a liability later. There may also be other towering species planted in narrow streets in the name of 'flowering' or 'scent' but with high failure potential. Michelia alba is one of them. The TMO should set reviewing & approving such Tree Planting in consideration of public safety.
ISA HK/China has high hope on the TMO to provide our community with good & safe trees for social benefits. We would also like to see HK leading the role of international Tree planting in the China Region with our TMO.
For this we shall set patience to expect.
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
21/11/2009
播放本新聞相關短片
公園大樹被颱風吹倒，壓毀順豐大廈外圍照明設施。
（讀者提供）
植樹選址差屢吹塌砸燈
大廈連番遭塌樹破壞招居民不滿！元朗順豐大廈住戶王先生表示，自去年至今，大廈外圍照明設施兩度被附近大樹壓毀，「一打風就吹冧棵樹，跟住就砸爛盞燈，舊年同今年都係咁，係咪唔應該再喺度種（樹）呢？」
（讀者提供）
當區區議員麥業成認為，改變種植地點的斬腳趾避沙蟲方式，並非解決問題良方，建議當局於上址加強防護措施，減低塌樹造成財物損失或人命傷亡意外。
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
ISA HK/China --- HK Tree News (Too Many Chiefs and not enough Indians)
国内朋友请使用翻译软件阅读本文。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
The sent-in news a little while ago described how a construction class to train Steel Workers of 20 no. became deserted to just 5 no. within one & half months of commencement. It was worrying that when mega projects would come up in future that HK may lack skilled workers to conduct site work.
ISA HK/China has similar sentiment towards this report as our own Tree Care Industry is developing in a similar pattern with a great lack of Certified Tree Workers (CTW) to conduct Field Work, but an abundance of Certified Arborists to engage office work. In the recent ISA Exams, there were close to 200 candidates sitting for the Certified Arborist (CA) exam, but only around 10 chose to take up the CTW exam. As the CA exam is mainly testing for knowledge rather than Field Work, most of the CA in HK are now working for office functions with the majority of them not engaging Tree Work like Tree Climbing & Chainsaw Operation. As far as ISA HK/China are aware, maybe less than 5% of our CA are seen to take on regular Field Work & many are unable to climb to assess trees or to carry out Structural Pruning to international requirements on site.
Say if we have all our Arborists swarming to take on office work to command & plan, but to ignore Field Work which is dirty, strenuous & risky, then who are going to prune, fell or transplant our mature trees on site? Do we then leave it to the subcontractors of the subcontractors with untrained & unskilled labour but paid low to carry out work at their laymen desire, with our Office Arborists showing photos & reports to cover the aftermath? Would the quality of Tree Work in HK then advance to international level for our Tree Management Office, or would it just be another repeat of our past failures?
ISA HK/China has installed the Independent Practicing Arborist (IPA, http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2008/08/isa-hkchina-independent-practicing.html ) credential to upgrade the Arborist Profession in our territory to become one which can handle knwoledge & Field Operation at the same time. The Arborist Profession is a Practitioner Trade with the Practicing Arborists expected to solve problems on site more than studying photos & reports in office. If our Arborists are downgraded to office level only & not able to handle work on site, the Arborist Profession in our territory will soon depart from international development, & we shall continue to rely on overseas Arborists to consult for us for genuine Tree Work.
ISA HK/China is planning to bring in the New Zealand National Certificate in Arboriculture to train up Field Arborists in our territory. The Station Manager will take part in the first round of training to ensure it will have a good start. We shall limit the capacity to around 20 no. only to ensure quality & adequate attendance on the students. This will be a rare opportunity for our local candidates to learn Tree Work under quality supervision & to prepare our future Arborists to work on site.
Let this message wake up our local employers at the same time to know how to select their Arborists for Tree Work in future. Would they now prefer to take up only those who can not work in the Field?
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
青年紮鐵班個半月走剩5人 十大基建恐缺工人 擬轉培訓新移民邊青
(x報)2009年11月x日 星期 x
【x報專訊】隨著十大基建上馬，建造業議會訓練學院（前建造業訓練局）推出針對青少年的「建造業青年就業計劃」（建青計劃），欲為多個出現人手老化的工種培養新血，應付工程需要。然而首班紮鐵班今年9月開班時雖然收了近20人，但最終只有8人上課，個半月後更走剩5人。建造業議會總監（培訓）黃敦義表示失望，但當局正有多項針對新移民、邊緣青年及少數族裔的計劃，希望可為業界培訓新血。
逾5萬建造工人超過50歲
香港建造商會及工會早前指出，現時約10萬名建造業工人中，逾半皆超過50歲以上，若十大基建工程在未來數年動工，擔心會出現青黃不接，故除傳統基本工藝課程外，建訓學院特別針對紮鐵、模板、泥水工程及油漆粉飾這數個青黃不接較嚴重的行業，與勞工處合辦建青計劃，以「先受聘、後培訓」方式培訓18至24歲青年，他們會先接受約一年培訓，在職培訓期間，每月薪金不少於1萬元（見表），而日後成為經驗紮鐵工，更可能有逾千元日薪。
總監稱失望 工會料因紮鐵辛苦
首班紮鐵班在9月初開班時原有近20人報讀，然而至開課時只有8人現身，開班未夠2個月，現只剩下5人堅持下去。黃敦義表示，難免有點失望，他相信與紮鐵工作較辛苦有關，青年人一時間難以適應，加上他們及其父母本身亦對建造業前景不認識，故較易放棄。他強調，隨著當局開展更多工程，建造業工人會十分搶手。建訓學院發言人表示，退出的學員中，其中兩人已另覓工作轉行，一人僅接受訓練數天表示不適合自己離開。
香港建造業總工會理事長周聯橋及建造業議會員工總會理事長陳鋕漒亦表示，紮鐵是各地盤工種中最辛苦一種，工人不單要日曬雨淋，工作時往往要抬起以百磅計的鋼筋，不是人人捱得到。本身是建造業訓練委員會委員的周聯橋表示，上述課程在開班初期上理論課時問題不大，但其後開始實習時，學員相繼退學。陳鋕漒表示，導師會盡量與學員及家長分析前景，希望他們可回心轉意，他強調「學成後根本不愁出路，紮鐵工人日薪更可以有近千元」。
將開油漆班 先聘用後受訓
首班學員流失率高，但黃敦義稱，紮鐵只是第一班，學院11月會在建青計劃下開辦油漆班，因這計劃是需要獲僱主聘用下先接受訓練，由於業界急需人手，故不擔心報讀情况不理想。建青計劃只是學院其中一個培訓新血計劃，學院本學年的全日制基本工藝課程便會提供2000個名額，為業內人士或轉業人士而設的兼讀課程名額亦達6萬個。
黃敦義表示，除本港青少年外，學院亦正研究多項計劃，如在天水圍的訓練中心投入運作後，亦會針對當區的新移民及少數族裔，希望吸納他們加入建造業，當局估計有逾1萬人。另學院亦正與正生書院及多間非政府機構聯絡，由他們轉介邊緣青年到學院，接受正統的建造業培訓。
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
The sent-in news a little while ago described how a construction class to train Steel Workers of 20 no. became deserted to just 5 no. within one & half months of commencement. It was worrying that when mega projects would come up in future that HK may lack skilled workers to conduct site work.
ISA HK/China has similar sentiment towards this report as our own Tree Care Industry is developing in a similar pattern with a great lack of Certified Tree Workers (CTW) to conduct Field Work, but an abundance of Certified Arborists to engage office work. In the recent ISA Exams, there were close to 200 candidates sitting for the Certified Arborist (CA) exam, but only around 10 chose to take up the CTW exam. As the CA exam is mainly testing for knowledge rather than Field Work, most of the CA in HK are now working for office functions with the majority of them not engaging Tree Work like Tree Climbing & Chainsaw Operation. As far as ISA HK/China are aware, maybe less than 5% of our CA are seen to take on regular Field Work & many are unable to climb to assess trees or to carry out Structural Pruning to international requirements on site.
Say if we have all our Arborists swarming to take on office work to command & plan, but to ignore Field Work which is dirty, strenuous & risky, then who are going to prune, fell or transplant our mature trees on site? Do we then leave it to the subcontractors of the subcontractors with untrained & unskilled labour but paid low to carry out work at their laymen desire, with our Office Arborists showing photos & reports to cover the aftermath? Would the quality of Tree Work in HK then advance to international level for our Tree Management Office, or would it just be another repeat of our past failures?
ISA HK/China has installed the Independent Practicing Arborist (IPA, http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2008/08/isa-hkchina-independent-practicing.html ) credential to upgrade the Arborist Profession in our territory to become one which can handle knwoledge & Field Operation at the same time. The Arborist Profession is a Practitioner Trade with the Practicing Arborists expected to solve problems on site more than studying photos & reports in office. If our Arborists are downgraded to office level only & not able to handle work on site, the Arborist Profession in our territory will soon depart from international development, & we shall continue to rely on overseas Arborists to consult for us for genuine Tree Work.
ISA HK/China is planning to bring in the New Zealand National Certificate in Arboriculture to train up Field Arborists in our territory. The Station Manager will take part in the first round of training to ensure it will have a good start. We shall limit the capacity to around 20 no. only to ensure quality & adequate attendance on the students. This will be a rare opportunity for our local candidates to learn Tree Work under quality supervision & to prepare our future Arborists to work on site.
Let this message wake up our local employers at the same time to know how to select their Arborists for Tree Work in future. Would they now prefer to take up only those who can not work in the Field?
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
青年紮鐵班個半月走剩5人 十大基建恐缺工人 擬轉培訓新移民邊青
(x報)2009年11月x日 星期 x
【x報專訊】隨著十大基建上馬，建造業議會訓練學院（前建造業訓練局）推出針對青少年的「建造業青年就業計劃」（建青計劃），欲為多個出現人手老化的工種培養新血，應付工程需要。然而首班紮鐵班今年9月開班時雖然收了近20人，但最終只有8人上課，個半月後更走剩5人。建造業議會總監（培訓）黃敦義表示失望，但當局正有多項針對新移民、邊緣青年及少數族裔的計劃，希望可為業界培訓新血。
逾5萬建造工人超過50歲
香港建造商會及工會早前指出，現時約10萬名建造業工人中，逾半皆超過50歲以上，若十大基建工程在未來數年動工，擔心會出現青黃不接，故除傳統基本工藝課程外，建訓學院特別針對紮鐵、模板、泥水工程及油漆粉飾這數個青黃不接較嚴重的行業，與勞工處合辦建青計劃，以「先受聘、後培訓」方式培訓18至24歲青年，他們會先接受約一年培訓，在職培訓期間，每月薪金不少於1萬元（見表），而日後成為經驗紮鐵工，更可能有逾千元日薪。
總監稱失望 工會料因紮鐵辛苦
首班紮鐵班在9月初開班時原有近20人報讀，然而至開課時只有8人現身，開班未夠2個月，現只剩下5人堅持下去。黃敦義表示，難免有點失望，他相信與紮鐵工作較辛苦有關，青年人一時間難以適應，加上他們及其父母本身亦對建造業前景不認識，故較易放棄。他強調，隨著當局開展更多工程，建造業工人會十分搶手。建訓學院發言人表示，退出的學員中，其中兩人已另覓工作轉行，一人僅接受訓練數天表示不適合自己離開。
香港建造業總工會理事長周聯橋及建造業議會員工總會理事長陳鋕漒亦表示，紮鐵是各地盤工種中最辛苦一種，工人不單要日曬雨淋，工作時往往要抬起以百磅計的鋼筋，不是人人捱得到。本身是建造業訓練委員會委員的周聯橋表示，上述課程在開班初期上理論課時問題不大，但其後開始實習時，學員相繼退學。陳鋕漒表示，導師會盡量與學員及家長分析前景，希望他們可回心轉意，他強調「學成後根本不愁出路，紮鐵工人日薪更可以有近千元」。
將開油漆班 先聘用後受訓
首班學員流失率高，但黃敦義稱，紮鐵只是第一班，學院11月會在建青計劃下開辦油漆班，因這計劃是需要獲僱主聘用下先接受訓練，由於業界急需人手，故不擔心報讀情况不理想。建青計劃只是學院其中一個培訓新血計劃，學院本學年的全日制基本工藝課程便會提供2000個名額，為業內人士或轉業人士而設的兼讀課程名額亦達6萬個。
黃敦義表示，除本港青少年外，學院亦正研究多項計劃，如在天水圍的訓練中心投入運作後，亦會針對當區的新移民及少數族裔，希望吸納他們加入建造業，當局估計有逾1萬人。另學院亦正與正生書院及多間非政府機構聯絡，由他們轉介邊緣青年到學院，接受正統的建造業培訓。
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, November 9, 2009
ISA HK/China --- Largest CA exam in ISA
国内朋友请使用翻译软件阅读本文。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
It is the pleasure of ISA HK/China to inform you that we now run close to the biggest Certified Arborist (CA) Exam in our territory of HK, Macau, Taiwan & China with more than 195 candidates qualified for the Nov exam, for which we have to split into two separate sessions so that we can accommodate all in Nov & Dec.
Our Proctor & Assistant Proctor strength has also grown to a phenomenal 18 no. so that we can cope with the expanding number of candidates. We can further increase this number if we have a genuine need in time to come when the ISA exams will spill further into Taiwan & China.
With facts & performance, ISA HK/China can very well tell the world that we are bearing the fore front to establish ISA in our territory & we have not failed anyone bearing hope on us to bring in proper Tree Care to our community. Our Station Membership is now close to 1,000 no. in ISA HK/China alone & there is another +200 no. in TCHK. We are now negotiating with ISA New Zealand to bring in the National Certificate in Arboriculture which is a Commonwealth credential to our territory so that in future, our local candidates do not need to go overseas for this practical training to learn how to conduct Tree Work in the field. The training is expected to come out in March 2010 & we shall announce it in Station Mail in time for all those interested to join (around 20 places only).
For your additional information, the Station Manger has already agreed to take part in the first round of the NZ National Cert training to boost intake, even though training does not bring as much income as Tree Assessment & Tree Work for the Station Manager, as his commitment to develop ISA Arboriculture in our territory. The Station Manger has trained Commonwealth Champion like KW Lee & the Fung Kai Tree Climbers. He has also given training in various Govt Depts for Arboricultural knowledge & has taken more Court Witness cases than anyone in HK.
Therefore, ISA HK/China wishes to thank you all for your continuous support. With all of you by our side, Taiwan & China will not be far away for ISA to break into. Once China is heated up for ISA credentials, there may even be a CA exam in one of the 900 cities in China every single day to satisfy their public demand. By then, the world will look upon us with a different spectrum for an ISA Organization without funding & open Govt support, but growing & running well by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, to accomplish a mission impossible which has never been attempted or succeeded by others before within the time & scale we have achieved.
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
It is the pleasure of ISA HK/China to inform you that we now run close to the biggest Certified Arborist (CA) Exam in our territory of HK, Macau, Taiwan & China with more than 195 candidates qualified for the Nov exam, for which we have to split into two separate sessions so that we can accommodate all in Nov & Dec.
Our Proctor & Assistant Proctor strength has also grown to a phenomenal 18 no. so that we can cope with the expanding number of candidates. We can further increase this number if we have a genuine need in time to come when the ISA exams will spill further into Taiwan & China.
With facts & performance, ISA HK/China can very well tell the world that we are bearing the fore front to establish ISA in our territory & we have not failed anyone bearing hope on us to bring in proper Tree Care to our community. Our Station Membership is now close to 1,000 no. in ISA HK/China alone & there is another +200 no. in TCHK. We are now negotiating with ISA New Zealand to bring in the National Certificate in Arboriculture which is a Commonwealth credential to our territory so that in future, our local candidates do not need to go overseas for this practical training to learn how to conduct Tree Work in the field. The training is expected to come out in March 2010 & we shall announce it in Station Mail in time for all those interested to join (around 20 places only).
For your additional information, the Station Manger has already agreed to take part in the first round of the NZ National Cert training to boost intake, even though training does not bring as much income as Tree Assessment & Tree Work for the Station Manager, as his commitment to develop ISA Arboriculture in our territory. The Station Manger has trained Commonwealth Champion like KW Lee & the Fung Kai Tree Climbers. He has also given training in various Govt Depts for Arboricultural knowledge & has taken more Court Witness cases than anyone in HK.
Therefore, ISA HK/China wishes to thank you all for your continuous support. With all of you by our side, Taiwan & China will not be far away for ISA to break into. Once China is heated up for ISA credentials, there may even be a CA exam in one of the 900 cities in China every single day to satisfy their public demand. By then, the world will look upon us with a different spectrum for an ISA Organization without funding & open Govt support, but growing & running well by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, to accomplish a mission impossible which has never been attempted or succeeded by others before within the time & scale we have achieved.
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
ISA HK/China --- Arborist Position in TMO
Dear ISA HK/China & TCHK Station Members,
ISA HK/China has been requested by the HKSAR Govt to broadcast the Recruitment Information for non-Civil Servant vacancy as Arborist in the attachment. This post is meant to work in the future Tree Management Office (TMO) which is to be set up soon in the HKSAR Govt.
ISA HK/China has seen this as a major advancement in our Civil Services structure to recognize the Arborist Profession as an independent expertise & ISA HK/China has always been in full support for the TMO from its initial concept.
Therefore, would all those who think they are eligible for this important position, please kindly follow the given details to apply as soon as possible. ISA HK/China looks upon this future Arborist in the TMO to correct & update the Tree affairs in HK to turn our trees into social benefits & not liabilities anymore.
Good luck to all you applicants & we look forward to seeing the appropriate candidate sitting on this post to work for us very soon.
rgds,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
Development BureauWorks Branch (Non-civil Service Vacancy) Arborist (Salary: $55,500 per month)
Entry requirements:
Candidates should:
(a) have a degree in arboriculture or a related field such as botany,biology, forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture, landscapemanagement, landscape science, or equivalent;
(b) have a qualification orcertification offered by a professional institution or industry organisationon arboriculture after successful completion of examination or assessmentprocess conducted within or accredited by the institution or organisation,such as Certified Arborist of the International Society of Arboriculture,Professional Member or Fellow of the Arboricultural Association of theUK, European Tree Technician of the European Arboricultural Council,General Member of the National Arborists Association of Australia, orequivalent;
(c) have a minimum of three years of proven full-timepractical experience in arboriculture, such as experience in tree riskassessment and management, pruning, plant nutrition and fertilisation,planting and care after planting, diagnosis and treatment of tree problems,cabling and bracing, or other services that relate to arboriculture, withemphasis on preparing guidance documents on arboriculture, preparing orvetting tree risk assessment reports, supervising arboricultural work, andhandling public education and community involvement matters; and
(d)have attained Level 2 or above in English Language in the Hong KongCertificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) or equivalent, and cancommunicate in Chinese effectively, preferably with a Level 2 or abovein Chinese Language in HKCEE or equivalent
Note :
Note -(1) For non-civil service appointment purpose, ‘Grade E’ in ChineseLanguage and English Language (Syllabus B) in previous HKCEEare accepted administratively as comparable to ‘Level 2’ in ChineseLanguage and English Language in the 2007 HKCEE and thereafter.2Duties:Successful candidates will be deployed to the Tree Management Office inthe Works Branch of the Development Bureau to undertake the followingduties
Note (2):(a) Providing arboricultural technical advice on or assisting in –(i) the development and review of the tree risk assessmentarrangements and the monitoring of their application,(ii) the monitoring of the overall situation of tree removal and thehandling of complex cases,(iii) the formulation of standards and guidelines on treemanagement,(iv) research on overseas legislation, practices etc. on treemanagement,(v) liaison with the relevant local and overseas institutions on thelatest scientific and technological developments,(vi) duties relating to the Expert Panel on vegetation management,(vii) the review of Government’s emergency responsearrangements in relation to tree management, and(viii) the handling of public education and community involvementmatters;(b) Supervising the work of an inspection team; and(c) Undertaking any other duties as assigned in relation to the work ofthe Tree Management Office.
Note -(3) Successful candidates may be required to work irregular hours andon public holidays.
Terms of appointment:
Successful candidates will be employed on non-civil service contractterms for two years.
Fringe benefits:
A gratuity may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the fullcontract period with a consistently high standard of performance. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to theGovernment’s contribution to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)Scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals to 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Twelve days’annual leave and full-pay sickness allowance and maternity leave, if applicable, will be granted. The benefits in respect of rest days and statutory holidays (or substitute holidays) will be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.
How to apply:
Application Forms [G.F. 340(Rev. 3/2008)] are obtainable from anyPublic Enquiry Service Centre of District Offices, Home AffairsDepartment or any Job Centre of the Employment Services Division,Labour Department. The said form can also be downloaded from theCivil Service Bureau’s website (http://www.csb.gov.hk).
Completed forms, together with a full curriculum vitae should reach the Personnel Unit, Development Bureau at 10/F, Murray Building, Garden Road,Central, Hong Kong (Enquiry telephone no.: 2848 2053) by 6 November 2009.
The curriculum vitae should include (a) grading ofthe subjects taken in public examinations from secondary educationonwards (with exact dates of scoring the results); (b) details of bachelordegree and higher level (e.g. major subjects and class and division ofhonours); (c) professional qualifications obtained; and (d) employmentrecords with detailed description of duties. Applications without complete or unclear information will not be considered.
Candidateswho are selected for interview will normally receive an invitation in about 4 - 6 weeks after the closing date for application. Those who are not invited for interview may assume that their applications areunsuccessful.
Closing Date for Application: 6 November 2009
General Notes:
(a) Non-civil service vacancies are not posts on the civil service establishment. Candidates appointed are not on civil service terms of appointment and conditions of service. Candidates appointed are not civil servants and will not be eligible for posting, promotion or transfer to any post in the Civil Service.
(b) Candidates appointed must be permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unless specified otherwise.
(c) The entry pay, terms of appointment and conditions of service to be offered are subject to the provisions prevailing at the time the offer of appointment is made.
(d) It is Government policy to place people with a disability in appropriate jobs wherever possible. If a disabled candidate meets the entry requirements, he/shewill be invited to attend the selection interview without being subject to any further shortlisting criteria.
(e) Holders of academic qualifications other than those obtained from Hong Kong institutions / Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority may also apply but their qualifications will be subject to assessments on equivalence with the required entry qualifications. They should submit copies of their official transcripts and certificates by mail together with their application forms.
ISA HK/China has been requested by the HKSAR Govt to broadcast the Recruitment Information for non-Civil Servant vacancy as Arborist in the attachment. This post is meant to work in the future Tree Management Office (TMO) which is to be set up soon in the HKSAR Govt.
ISA HK/China has seen this as a major advancement in our Civil Services structure to recognize the Arborist Profession as an independent expertise & ISA HK/China has always been in full support for the TMO from its initial concept.
Therefore, would all those who think they are eligible for this important position, please kindly follow the given details to apply as soon as possible. ISA HK/China looks upon this future Arborist in the TMO to correct & update the Tree affairs in HK to turn our trees into social benefits & not liabilities anymore.
Good luck to all you applicants & we look forward to seeing the appropriate candidate sitting on this post to work for us very soon.
rgds,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
Development BureauWorks Branch (Non-civil Service Vacancy) Arborist (Salary: $55,500 per month)
Entry requirements:
Candidates should:
(a) have a degree in arboriculture or a related field such as botany,biology, forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture, landscapemanagement, landscape science, or equivalent;
(b) have a qualification orcertification offered by a professional institution or industry organisationon arboriculture after successful completion of examination or assessmentprocess conducted within or accredited by the institution or organisation,such as Certified Arborist of the International Society of Arboriculture,Professional Member or Fellow of the Arboricultural Association of theUK, European Tree Technician of the European Arboricultural Council,General Member of the National Arborists Association of Australia, orequivalent;
(c) have a minimum of three years of proven full-timepractical experience in arboriculture, such as experience in tree riskassessment and management, pruning, plant nutrition and fertilisation,planting and care after planting, diagnosis and treatment of tree problems,cabling and bracing, or other services that relate to arboriculture, withemphasis on preparing guidance documents on arboriculture, preparing orvetting tree risk assessment reports, supervising arboricultural work, andhandling public education and community involvement matters; and
(d)have attained Level 2 or above in English Language in the Hong KongCertificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) or equivalent, and cancommunicate in Chinese effectively, preferably with a Level 2 or abovein Chinese Language in HKCEE or equivalent
Note :
Note -(1) For non-civil service appointment purpose, ‘Grade E’ in ChineseLanguage and English Language (Syllabus B) in previous HKCEEare accepted administratively as comparable to ‘Level 2’ in ChineseLanguage and English Language in the 2007 HKCEE and thereafter.2Duties:Successful candidates will be deployed to the Tree Management Office inthe Works Branch of the Development Bureau to undertake the followingduties
Note (2):(a) Providing arboricultural technical advice on or assisting in –(i) the development and review of the tree risk assessmentarrangements and the monitoring of their application,(ii) the monitoring of the overall situation of tree removal and thehandling of complex cases,(iii) the formulation of standards and guidelines on treemanagement,(iv) research on overseas legislation, practices etc. on treemanagement,(v) liaison with the relevant local and overseas institutions on thelatest scientific and technological developments,(vi) duties relating to the Expert Panel on vegetation management,(vii) the review of Government’s emergency responsearrangements in relation to tree management, and(viii) the handling of public education and community involvementmatters;(b) Supervising the work of an inspection team; and(c) Undertaking any other duties as assigned in relation to the work ofthe Tree Management Office.
Note -(3) Successful candidates may be required to work irregular hours andon public holidays.
Terms of appointment:
Successful candidates will be employed on non-civil service contractterms for two years.
Fringe benefits:
A gratuity may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the fullcontract period with a consistently high standard of performance. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to theGovernment’s contribution to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)Scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals to 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Twelve days’annual leave and full-pay sickness allowance and maternity leave, if applicable, will be granted. The benefits in respect of rest days and statutory holidays (or substitute holidays) will be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.
How to apply:
Application Forms [G.F. 340(Rev. 3/2008)] are obtainable from anyPublic Enquiry Service Centre of District Offices, Home AffairsDepartment or any Job Centre of the Employment Services Division,Labour Department. The said form can also be downloaded from theCivil Service Bureau’s website (http://www.csb.gov.hk).
Completed forms, together with a full curriculum vitae should reach the Personnel Unit, Development Bureau at 10/F, Murray Building, Garden Road,Central, Hong Kong (Enquiry telephone no.: 2848 2053) by 6 November 2009.
The curriculum vitae should include (a) grading ofthe subjects taken in public examinations from secondary educationonwards (with exact dates of scoring the results); (b) details of bachelordegree and higher level (e.g. major subjects and class and division ofhonours); (c) professional qualifications obtained; and (d) employmentrecords with detailed description of duties. Applications without complete or unclear information will not be considered.
Candidateswho are selected for interview will normally receive an invitation in about 4 - 6 weeks after the closing date for application. Those who are not invited for interview may assume that their applications areunsuccessful.
Closing Date for Application: 6 November 2009
General Notes:
(a) Non-civil service vacancies are not posts on the civil service establishment. Candidates appointed are not on civil service terms of appointment and conditions of service. Candidates appointed are not civil servants and will not be eligible for posting, promotion or transfer to any post in the Civil Service.
(b) Candidates appointed must be permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unless specified otherwise.
(c) The entry pay, terms of appointment and conditions of service to be offered are subject to the provisions prevailing at the time the offer of appointment is made.
(d) It is Government policy to place people with a disability in appropriate jobs wherever possible. If a disabled candidate meets the entry requirements, he/shewill be invited to attend the selection interview without being subject to any further shortlisting criteria.
(e) Holders of academic qualifications other than those obtained from Hong Kong institutions / Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority may also apply but their qualifications will be subject to assessments on equivalence with the required entry qualifications. They should submit copies of their official transcripts and certificates by mail together with their application forms.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
ISA HK/China --- Incoming Mail (Arboricultural Degree)
国内朋友请使用翻译软件阅读本文。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your enquiry below. We broadcast our reply in an open Station Mail while covering your identity, but we are sure that you can pick it up to be your own by recognizing your own message below.
Being the official representative to promote ISA in our territory of HK, Macau, Taiwan & China, we follow the ISA practice not to recognize any arboricultural credential but only that of ISA & of ISA HK/China. Therefore, it is your freedom to pursuit any arboricultural credential in the market but ISA HK/China would only endorse upon the Certified Arborist (CA), Certified Tree Worker (CTW) & Independent Practicing Arborist (IPA) (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2008/08/isa-hkchina-independent-practicing.html), or any other local credential of our own in our territory in future.
Please also note that it is a Pre-Qualification Requirement for a degree holder in Arboriculture to have a minimum of 1 year full time Tree Work experience if this candidate wishes to apply for the CA exam. In other word, obtaining a degree in Arboriculture does not qualify you to become a Certified Arborist (CA), & the CA credential is taken as a post graduate qualification.
There are basically 6 requirements to register as an IPA in our territory:
1. Holding the CA credential for more than 3 years; &
2. Simultaneously holding the CTW credential for more than 3 years; &
3. Attending an ISA International Conference at least once; &
4. Holding an 'O' Level in Common Laws or equivalent; &
5. Holding an 'A' Level in English Language or equivalent; &
6. Demonstrating competency in Chainsaw Operation & Basic Rigging on tree.
Obtaining an Arboricultural degree does not satisfy any of the 6 requirements above & therefore does not exempt you from any of the above to be registered into our IPA system.
What our territory would need most urgently now are really Field Arborists & not Office Arborists to conduct Tree Survey (in an approved Arboricultural manner), Structural Pruning (with Tree Climbing & Rigging), Tree Inspection & Assessment, & Arboricultural Consultation (to site management & works teams). ISA HK/China have briefly browsed into several of the Arboricultural Degree Distant Learning Program on-line & found that they are mostly literature & research based only. After all, very few distant learning programs in greenery training can offer field work due to the lack of approved tutors locally & training ground. This will be like training up a bunch of Medical Practitioners over a computer only without clinical practice. We do not recognize this can meet our requirements to become an IPA.
ISA HK/China is currently working hard with ISA NZ to bring over the National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) which is much field based to train up Practicing Arborists in our territory. Do remember that ISA HK/China is not for just HK alone but do serve other parts of our territory of Macau, Taiwan & the massive China. Our vision does not stop at HK only & we look way far beyond. HK alone does not limit our advancement, & we have to care for the need & development in other parts of our territory. Our IPA system & the introduction of the National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) are meant for just that.
Please do keep you eye open for our announcement for the National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) in the near future, if you are interested to enter field practice rather than just focusing on office work & research alone.
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
----- Original Message -----
From: xxx
To: egc@netvigator.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 0x, 2009 x:x8 PM
Subject: Enquiry on Arboricultural Degree
Hi Sammy,
My friends are now talking about some distant learning for a degree in Arboriculture. Do you have any knowledge in this & does your Station approve? If I get this degree at the end, can you exempt me for my lack of working experience to register as IPA in your Station?
Many thanks & have a good day.
Regards,
xxx
Station Member
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your enquiry below. We broadcast our reply in an open Station Mail while covering your identity, but we are sure that you can pick it up to be your own by recognizing your own message below.
Being the official representative to promote ISA in our territory of HK, Macau, Taiwan & China, we follow the ISA practice not to recognize any arboricultural credential but only that of ISA & of ISA HK/China. Therefore, it is your freedom to pursuit any arboricultural credential in the market but ISA HK/China would only endorse upon the Certified Arborist (CA), Certified Tree Worker (CTW) & Independent Practicing Arborist (IPA) (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2008/08/isa-hkchina-independent-practicing.html), or any other local credential of our own in our territory in future.
Please also note that it is a Pre-Qualification Requirement for a degree holder in Arboriculture to have a minimum of 1 year full time Tree Work experience if this candidate wishes to apply for the CA exam. In other word, obtaining a degree in Arboriculture does not qualify you to become a Certified Arborist (CA), & the CA credential is taken as a post graduate qualification.
There are basically 6 requirements to register as an IPA in our territory:
1. Holding the CA credential for more than 3 years; &
2. Simultaneously holding the CTW credential for more than 3 years; &
3. Attending an ISA International Conference at least once; &
4. Holding an 'O' Level in Common Laws or equivalent; &
5. Holding an 'A' Level in English Language or equivalent; &
6. Demonstrating competency in Chainsaw Operation & Basic Rigging on tree.
Obtaining an Arboricultural degree does not satisfy any of the 6 requirements above & therefore does not exempt you from any of the above to be registered into our IPA system.
What our territory would need most urgently now are really Field Arborists & not Office Arborists to conduct Tree Survey (in an approved Arboricultural manner), Structural Pruning (with Tree Climbing & Rigging), Tree Inspection & Assessment, & Arboricultural Consultation (to site management & works teams). ISA HK/China have briefly browsed into several of the Arboricultural Degree Distant Learning Program on-line & found that they are mostly literature & research based only. After all, very few distant learning programs in greenery training can offer field work due to the lack of approved tutors locally & training ground. This will be like training up a bunch of Medical Practitioners over a computer only without clinical practice. We do not recognize this can meet our requirements to become an IPA.
ISA HK/China is currently working hard with ISA NZ to bring over the National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) which is much field based to train up Practicing Arborists in our territory. Do remember that ISA HK/China is not for just HK alone but do serve other parts of our territory of Macau, Taiwan & the massive China. Our vision does not stop at HK only & we look way far beyond. HK alone does not limit our advancement, & we have to care for the need & development in other parts of our territory. Our IPA system & the introduction of the National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) are meant for just that.
Please do keep you eye open for our announcement for the National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) in the near future, if you are interested to enter field practice rather than just focusing on office work & research alone.
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
----- Original Message -----
From: xxx
To: egc@netvigator.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 0x, 2009 x:x8 PM
Subject: Enquiry on Arboricultural Degree
Hi Sammy,
My friends are now talking about some distant learning for a degree in Arboriculture. Do you have any knowledge in this & does your Station approve? If I get this degree at the end, can you exempt me for my lack of working experience to register as IPA in your Station?
Many thanks & have a good day.
Regards,
xxx
Station Member
Friday, September 25, 2009
ISA HK/China --- Incoming Mail (The Spirit of Supervision)
国内朋友请使用翻译软件阅读本文。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your enquiry. We broadcast our reply by covering your personal details so that your identity is protected as our usual practice. We have been asked several times on the same topic in the past.
Your enquiry is of a common nature in our territory in the belief that books & lectures can cover all knowledge & credentials alone can help to conduct good work. This common hypothesis would not stand up in the Arborist Profession internationally unfortunately.
We would direct you to first of all understand the word of 'Supervision' in dictionary. In the computer dictionary of Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervision), this term would be defined as:
"Supervision means the act of watching over the work or tasks of another who may lack full knowledge of the concept at hand. Supervision does not mean control of another but guidance in a work, professional or personal context.
In work environments, a supervisor is one who oversees workers."
In other word, anyone conducting Supervision should be very knowledgeable in the trade, has experience in the work & is able to show or even take over the work from the subordinates when it becomes necessary.
In the case of Tree Pruning, we would expect the Pruning Supervisor to be able to climb to inspect tree, lay out a Work Plan, tell his/her workers exactly where to cut & with what, & is able to demonstrate chainsaw operation for cutting if his/her workers become subversive. In general term, the subordinates would only respect the senior if the senior is better & stronger than they are. If not, mutiny or feet dragging would occur to slow or mess up the whole piece of work.
Imagine an Army Sergeant who can not fire a gun. Would his soldiers listen to him/her in a firing practice? Or in the case of a Driving Instructor who can not handle the car?
Similar analogy would apply to other Tree Work like transplantation, removal or tree survey as you have mentioned. The Supervisor must be experienced, well trained & capable to conduct the assignment, before he/she is accepted by his/her workforce for Supervision.
ISA HK/China do not know of a Tree Work Supervisor in western country who can not climb, operate chainsaws or rig, but just waving credentials & qualifications on site. This person will become a laughing stock among the tree workers.
Therefore, perhaps your enquiry has been answered in an indirect manner & we hope you would now appreciate why ISA HK/China had set up the IPA (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2008/08/isa-hkchina-independent-practicing.html) credential to ensure our Practicing Arborists can design & supervise Arboricultural Work in any form it may arrive. The IPA is the next step to aim after your Certified Arborist credential & the conditions to become one would ensure you to be good enough to carry out Tree Work Supervision along with others.
ISA HK/China would expect you to have a long way to go before you would consider to conduct Supervision in Arboricultural Work after your first qualification.
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
寄件人: xxx
收件人: Eurasian Garden Ltd / ISA HK/China
傳送日期﹕ 2009 年 x月 xx 日 星期x 下午 x:10:08
主題： 查詢
Dear Mr. Au,
I am recently qualified & I am asked to supervise tree work (pruning/transplanting/survey) by bosses. Any books you recommend to study to do well on site?
Thank you for reply.
Regards,
xxx
Yahoo!香港提供網上安全攻略，教你如何防範黑客!了解更多
Saturday, September 12, 2009
ISA HK/China --- HK Tree News (Wanchai and Repulse Bay Tree Failure)
国内朋友请使用翻译软件阅读本文。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
Attached & below are two recent counts of local Tree Failure worthy for discussion in our Station:
1. Tree Failure in Buk Tai Temple in Wanchai (see attached)
This incident appeared on the local media may be because the fallen branches damaged a temple where prominent citizens are visiting. Other than that, there did not appear to be any significant value in this Tree Failure case when compared to many other Tree Failures on slope all over HK.
What has raised the eyebrow of this Station in this incident would be that this tree was said to be inspected by somebody just 3 months ago before the incident. As trees are developing creatures & they change shape & condition in reaction to the environment, it is very difficult to draw a line to say whether this tree must fail in a certain time. Tree Assessment is always an educational prediction in ISA knowledge so far & ISA HK/China would always recommend a Tree Assessor to possess the basic knwoledge listed in our previous Station Mail (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2009/04/isa-hkchina-tree-assessment.html), & not just someone waving credentials. Many Arborists around the world have tried to quantify Tree Assessment but owing to the many factors which can affect the calculation & modeling, not one single method has been adopted by ISA so far to be a universal method for standardization, including the use of Detection Tools for Decay determination (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2009/04/isa-hkchina-2009-isa-research-on-tools.html).
The Station Manger recently became involved with a similar case of Tree Failure somewhere in Kowloon leading to a law suit for property damages. He has issued a +20 page Expert Witness Report on the incident to comment on responsibilities & liabilities of the opposite side. This just shows that there is always a legal risk involved in carrying out any Tree Assessment if the damages can not be settled between the two parties, & Arborist is frequently the tool to provide independent opinion on the incident.
Let's hope it would not be the case for this one.
2. Tree Failure in Repulse Bay (see below)
This appeared to be a typical case of the client wanting a 'flowering' tree to be grown in his/her compound & expected the tree roots to grow to the centre of the Earth to hold the tree against wind.
It can be seen from the photos given that there were hardly any roots adequate for anchorage, yet the tree had developed a full crown above to attract wind. Then when adequate wind pressure exerted on the crown, the tree body simply toppled over like a domino card.
In Arboriculture, we always say it is 'Mother Nature makes the Rules, not anybody' for Tree Planting. A tree may be planted there for 'flowering, scent or Instant Effect', but it will be Mother Nature to determine whether this tree is going to last, & would fail it when conditions are met.
Would the public be willing to listen to the Arborists gradually?
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
淺水灣塌10米鳳凰木險壓學童
(x報)2009年9月12日 星期六
【x報專訊】毗鄰國際學校的港島淺水灣別墅，昨晨有一棵逾10米高的鳳凰木塌下，粗壯枝椏擊毁數輛薄餅店外賣電單車。附近保安員稱，事發前有學童行經，幸沒被壓倒，否則恐重演塌樹殺人慘劇。香港大學地理系講座教授詹志勇指大樹被埋在「層層疊」的石屎層中，令根部組織壞死，最終不勝負荷「齊口」折斷。
*** Our weekly Station Mail is for the information of Station Members only, but Station Mail has given up copyright & can be freely circulated. For administrative reasons, comments from outsiders are usually not entertained & may be circulated within our system locally & overseas. Please note Station Mail is sometimes given in Blog at http://isahkchina.blogspot.com , although images are usually not attached due to size. ***
Dear Station Members,
Attached & below are two recent counts of local Tree Failure worthy for discussion in our Station:
1. Tree Failure in Buk Tai Temple in Wanchai (see attached)
This incident appeared on the local media may be because the fallen branches damaged a temple where prominent citizens are visiting. Other than that, there did not appear to be any significant value in this Tree Failure case when compared to many other Tree Failures on slope all over HK.
What has raised the eyebrow of this Station in this incident would be that this tree was said to be inspected by somebody just 3 months ago before the incident. As trees are developing creatures & they change shape & condition in reaction to the environment, it is very difficult to draw a line to say whether this tree must fail in a certain time. Tree Assessment is always an educational prediction in ISA knowledge so far & ISA HK/China would always recommend a Tree Assessor to possess the basic knwoledge listed in our previous Station Mail (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2009/04/isa-hkchina-tree-assessment.html), & not just someone waving credentials. Many Arborists around the world have tried to quantify Tree Assessment but owing to the many factors which can affect the calculation & modeling, not one single method has been adopted by ISA so far to be a universal method for standardization, including the use of Detection Tools for Decay determination (http://isahkchina.blogspot.com/2009/04/isa-hkchina-2009-isa-research-on-tools.html).
The Station Manger recently became involved with a similar case of Tree Failure somewhere in Kowloon leading to a law suit for property damages. He has issued a +20 page Expert Witness Report on the incident to comment on responsibilities & liabilities of the opposite side. This just shows that there is always a legal risk involved in carrying out any Tree Assessment if the damages can not be settled between the two parties, & Arborist is frequently the tool to provide independent opinion on the incident.
Let's hope it would not be the case for this one.
2. Tree Failure in Repulse Bay (see below)
This appeared to be a typical case of the client wanting a 'flowering' tree to be grown in his/her compound & expected the tree roots to grow to the centre of the Earth to hold the tree against wind.
It can be seen from the photos given that there were hardly any roots adequate for anchorage, yet the tree had developed a full crown above to attract wind. Then when adequate wind pressure exerted on the crown, the tree body simply toppled over like a domino card.
In Arboriculture, we always say it is 'Mother Nature makes the Rules, not anybody' for Tree Planting. A tree may be planted there for 'flowering, scent or Instant Effect', but it will be Mother Nature to determine whether this tree is going to last, & would fail it when conditions are met.
Would the public be willing to listen to the Arborists gradually?
best regards,
Sammy Au
Station Manager
"If a tree is not designed, installed, maintained & inspected properly, it is likely to become a liability rather than an asset."
"Trees are good for the community. Trees need care like human beings. Arborists are the Tree Care Professionals."
淺水灣塌10米鳳凰木險壓學童
(x報)2009年9月12日 星期六
【x報專訊】毗鄰國際學校的港島淺水灣別墅，昨晨有一棵逾10米高的鳳凰木塌下，粗壯枝椏擊毁數輛薄餅店外賣電單車。附近保安員稱，事發前有學童行經，幸沒被壓倒，否則恐重演塌樹殺人慘劇。香港大學地理系講座教授詹志勇指大樹被埋在「層層疊」的石屎層中，令根部組織壞死，最終不勝負荷「齊口」折斷。
毗鄰國際校 兩學生剛行經
倒塌的鳳凰木逾10米高，樹幹直徑近一米，根部被直徑兩米的花崗岩包圍，植於淺水灣道78至80號的淺水灣別墅範圍內，屬私人管理樹木。屋苑保安員稱，該樹每年都有專人修剪樹椏和除蟲。街坊對大樹突然塌下深感可惜，但慶幸未有造成傷亡，「隔籬商場有一間國際學校，很多學前幼童上學，塌樹前就有兩個學生行過，好彩避得過，否則壓死人」。
事發昨晨9時許，巨大的鳳凰木突然向海灘道35號商場方向塌下，壓毁兩道鐵閘，數米長的樹椏擊向薄餅店的外賣電單車，車尾外賣箱被打穿。消防員到場搜索後證實無人受傷或被困。
學者﹕樹根埋石屎層 嚴重蛀蝕
現場所見，鳳凰木樹根連著花崗岩砌成的底座「齊口」折斷，中間露出一個近半米的樹洞。有「樹醫生」之稱的專家詹志勇看過相片後指出，該鳳凰木樹齡30多年，樹根已被真菌嚴重蛀蝕，雖然仍能維持表面的枝葉繁盛，但其生長環境十分惡劣，「塌下是遲早的事」。
他指出，樹根是埋在不同新舊的石屎層下，顯然是在不同年份有人用「一層又一層石屎疊上去」，卻令樹根埋在十分堅硬的泥土中，無法吸收養分和空氣，新根不長，老根被真菌蛀蝕，結果必會承受不了樹身重量塌下。
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
