NParks to reassess tree planting practice after freak accident

A freak incident took place last Saturday when a driving instructor was killed by a fallen tree. He was on the job when the tree fell on the car he was in during a heavy downpour.

When The Straits Times spoke to Jacky Cheong, a 31-year old salesman and elder brother of driving instructor Jason, he suggested that the authorities should look into the type of trees grown alongside our roads.

The comment is supported by experts whom The Straits Times spoke to after the incident. They suggested that the National Parks Board (NParks) should reassess the species and size of trees planted beside roads.

Speaking to the local paper, Madam Jacqueline Allan, Assistant Director of Nature Landscapes, said that the urban development has a deep impact on the environment, such as changing wind directions and wind forces. NParks can study the history of fallen trees and derive preventive measures.

Director of Streetscapes NParks, Simon Longman, feels that management of the trees plays a more vital role than selection of tree sizes, as smaller trees are also capable of inflicting huge damages.

NParks has reaffirmed that the trees around the incident location were inspected last November, and has been cleared as healthy.