2 Tree Survey Findings and recommendations

_2.1_{Tree Survey}

2.1.1 A comprehensive survey of all trees potentially impacted by the XRL over all works sites and works areas was conducted in mid 2008 under MTRCL consultancy NEX2110. The tree survey information presented herein is an extract from that survey.

2.1.2 Since the 2008 survey was undertaken, the XRL gazettal boundary has been slightly revised, necessitating an additional survey which has been undertaken in early 2009. The trees identified from this additional survey are identified in the tree survey drawings and schedules by a prefix “U” before the tree number (e.g. U0001).

2.1.3 The following technical circulars, practice notes and publications have been referenced:

¨ Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

¨ Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department – Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 02 (Rev. Jun 2006)

¨ Country Park Ordinance (Cap. 208);

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hand Landscape Features;

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation;

¨ Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¨ Highways Department Technical Circular No. 3/2008 - Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department;

¨ General Regulation (GR) 740;

¨ Standing Interdepartmental Landscape Technical Group (SILTECH) Publication - 'Tree Planting and Maintenance in Hong Kong' (Webb, 1991);

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Publication - 'Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong' (2004) and

¨ Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Publication - 'Check List of Hong Kong Plants' (2004).

2.1.4 Trees were surveyed individually and the following characteristics are recorded in the Tree Schedule in Appendix I:

¨ tree reference number;

¨ District within which tree is located;

¨ photograph number;

¨ botanical name;

¨ Chinese common name;

¨ Height (m);

¨ trunk diameter at 1.3m above ground level (m);

¨ crown spread (m);

¨ form (good / fair / poor);

¨ health (good / fair / poor);

¨ amenity value (high / medium / low);

¨ survival rate after transplanting (high / medium / low);

¨ Government Department responsible for maintenance of the tree. This is based on the ETWBTC(W) 2/2004 “Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape features”, Appendix A “Areas of Responsibilities of Departments on Maintenance of Vegetation”;

¨ Government Department responsible for providing expert advice to LandsD on removal of the tree. This is based on the ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”, Appendix B “Departmental Responsibilities for Providing Expert Advise to LandsD for vetting of Tree Removal Applications”;

¨ trees in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees are identified in accordance with ETWBTC(W) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation;

¨ trees considered as “Important Trees” in accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”

¨ other remarks.

2.1.5 Following the assessment of the impacts of the XRL works on the trees, the following information has been added to the Tree Schedule:

¨ Recommendation (Retain / Retain and Prune / Transplant / Fell); and

¨ Justification for the Recommendation (i.e. reason why the tree is unavoidably affected by the works)

_2.2_{Tree Classification
Criteria}

2.2.1 In the tree survey, trees have been assessed and classified in accordance with criteria for classification of form, health, survival rate and amenity value, as described below.

Form (Good / Fair / Poor)

2.2.2 Tree Form is classified as follows:

a) Good: trees with well-balanced form, upright, evenly branching, well-formed head and generally in accordance with the standard form for its species;

b) Fair: trees with generally balanced form with natural compensations for loss of branches or leaning trunks;

c) Poor: trees with very unbalanced form, leaning, contorted, bending trunk, suffering from loss of major branches with general damage and growing close to adjacent trees.

Health (Good / Fair / Poor)

2.2.3 The "Health and Condition" of trees is assessed by evaluating the following criteria:

a) Foliage

¨ Colour and general appearance; and

¨ Presence of insect and/or fungal infection.

b) Branches

¨ Presence of dead, broken, cut or crossing branches;

¨ Presence of heavy horizontal branches which may cause tree instability; and

¨ Presence of any special phenomena of the branches likely to cause hazard.

c) Trunk

¨ Presence of tightly forked or multi-ascending trunk may be a sign of weakness (depends on specie);

¨ Presence of cavities or internal/ external rot as may be evidenced by presence of moisture seeping through the trunk, and / or fungi growing on the trunk; and

¨ Serious bark damage.

2.2.4 Based on evaluation of above criteria, the classification of ‘Health and Condition’ is as follows:

d) Good: Trees with a low incidence of the less serious features listed above and a high chance of a fast recovery from such features.

e) Fair: Trees with a higher incidence of the less serious features and a medium chance of recovery from those features.

f) Poor: Trees with more serious health features listed above and with a low chance of recovery from those features, even with remedial treatment.

Survival Rate Following Transplanting (High / Medium / Low)

2.2.5 The assessment of the survival rate of trees following transplanting is evaluated as High, Medium or Low, taking account of the following criteria:

¨ the typical ability of that tree species to survive transplanting;

¨ the tree size, form and existing health condition;

¨ the presence of any physical impediments to the preparation of root balls, such as wall, utilities, manholes, rocks, foundations etc.; and

¨ the inclined angle of the tree roots – the steeper the incline, the less chance of survival.

2.2.6 The grading of "Survival Rate following Transplanting" is therefore as follows:

a) High: Over 60% chance of survival provided that proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

b) Medium: 30-60% chance of survival provided that proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

c) Low: Less than 30% chance of survival even if proper preparation and transplanting methodology is adopted.

Amenity Value (High/Medium/Low)

2.2.7 The positive contribution of trees to their surrounding urban and landscape context is expressed as their "Amenity Value". Factors that are taken into consideration in the assessment include:

¨ Conservation value: Trees on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees (ETWBTC(W) 29/2004). “Important Trees” as defined in ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 “Tree Preservation”. Rare or protected species, as listed by the Agriculture and Fisheries & Conservation Department. Fung Shui significance is also taken into account.

¨ Functional value: provide screening, shade or shelter. provide screening, shade or shelter.

¨ Age and maturity.

¨ Visual impact: the degree of positive visual impact created by the tree, or conversely, the degree of adverse visual impact that would result from loss of the tree.

¨ Status & form: a good representative specimen of its species, present condition, potential hazard and stability.

2.2.8 The grading of "Amenity Value" is therefore as follows:

a) High: “Old and Valuable Trees” and “Important Trees”. Rare or protected species. Trees with fung shui significance. Mature trees with good health condition and form.

b) Medium: Common species with average health, medium condition and acceptable form. Rare or protected species, fung shui significance , but with poor health condition and form.

c) Low: Common weedy species, little or non-functional common species with poor health condition and poor form. Young and small trees of common species in accordance with the mature size for its species.

“Old and Valuable Tree” or “Important Tree”

2.2.9 If the tree is on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees, it is identified in the Schedule as an “Old and Valuable Tree” (OVT).

2.2.10 In accordance with ETWBTC(W) 29/2004 “Registration of Old and Valuable Trees and Guidelines for their Preservation”, if a tree meets one or more of the following criteria, it is identified in the Schedule as an “Important Tree” (IT):

¨ Trees of 100 years old or above;

¨ Trees of cultural historical or memorable significance e.g. Fung Shui tree, tree as landmark of monastery or heritage monument, and trees in memory of an important person or event;

¨ Trees of precious or rare species;

¨ Trees of outstanding form (taking account of overall tree sizes, shape and any special features) e.g. tree with curtain like aerial roots, trees growing in unusual habitat; or

¨ Trees with trunk diameter equal or exceeding 1.0m (measured at 1.3m above ground level), or with height/canopy spread equal or exceeding 25m.

“Exempted Trees”

2.2.11 Certain types of tree are exempted from the control requirements of ETWBTC(W)3/2006, including:

¨ Trees made hazardous due to natural causes such as lightning, typhoon, torrential rain or landslide;

¨ Dead, dying or diseased trees; and

¨ Self-seeded trees of undesirable ‘weed’ species such as Leucaena leucocephala.

_2.3_{Assessment of Impacts on
Trees}

Design Reference Documents

2.3.1 In order to determine whether or not the existing trees will be affected by the proposed works, reference has been made to the latest available engineering designs, being prepared by the MTRCL’s Design Consultants.

2.3.2 For ease of reference, the engineering design for the engineering works has been overlaid on the tree survey drawings.

Description of Project Works in Tuen Mun District

2.3.3 The XRL section within the Tuen Mun District does not involve any major works.

Additional Works Areas

2.3.4 Recognizing the necessity of adequate site area required for an extensive work of this nature, additional works areas have been reserved for part or the entire duration of the project in the following locations:

¨ Construction of temporary Magazine Site at So Kwun Wat. Areas of this site will also be used as temporary holding nurseries for transplanted trees under Works Contract 801. There is also a need to provide access to a WSD site (WSD TTM524) which will incur tree impacts.

¨ Temporary barging facilities at Lok On Pai.

¨ Temporary barging facilities at Lung Kwu Sheung Tan.

¨ Temporary holding nursery for transplanted trees under Works Contract 801 at Siu Lang Shui.

Necessity for Removal of Trees

2.3.5 In order for these Works to be constructed a certain minimum number of trees must inevitably be removed.

2.3.6 Detailed discussions have been held with the design engineers to ensure that the impact on these existing trees is minimised, and the total number of affected trees is kept to the minimum required to undertake the works.

2.3.7 The Tree Schedule in Appendix I includes a column providing the justification why a tree is unavoidably affected by the works.

Basis of Recommendation to Transplant

2.3.8 Trees that are unavoidably affected by the works and need to be removed are selected for transplanting instead of felling on the basis of a combination of factors including the location of the tree; the species, form, health and amenity value of the tree; the ease and cost of transplanting; the survival rate following transplanting and safety of transplanting operation. All of the following criteria must be satisfied for a tree to be recommended for transplanting instead of felling:

¨ Form and health are at least “fair”;

¨ one of the categories “Amenity Value” and “Survival Rate” is “high” and the other is at least “medium” (ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, clause 17);

¨ the tree is of high conservation value, including rare and precious species (ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, clause 17);

¨ the tree is easily accessible, not on steeply sloping ground, and safe to transplant;

¨ there are no objects such as manholes, waterpoints, hydrants etc. that would interfere with rootball preparation; and

¨ tree preparation and transplanting must be able to be undertaken safely.

2.3.9 In addition affected street trees in paving and in roadside planters are also recommended for transplanting if they are in good condition.

Basis of Recommendation to Fell

2.3.10 If a tree that has to be removed is not selected to be transplanted according to the criteria above, then it is recommended to be felled.

2.3.11 In addition, the following trees are recommended to be felled, irrespective of whether or not they are affected by the works:

¨ all dead trees within the gazettal boundary;

¨ trees within the gazettal boundary considered hazardous to public safety and which cannot be rendered safe by tree pruning work; and

¨ trees within the gazettal boundary with contagious pests or diseases that cannot be eradicated by pest or disease control measures.

_2.4_{Summary of Implications
For Trees}

2.4.1 In summary, the Tree Survey reveals that:

a) There are 1150 living trees (including 66 ‘exempted’ weed trees) identified inside, or just outside, the Gazettal Boundary in the Tuen Mun District, plus 12 dead trees. All dead trees are recommended to be felled.

b) 954 of the living trees (including 57 ‘exempted’ weed trees) can be retained in situ during and after the Works, of which 16 (including 7 ‘exempted’ weed trees) are currently recommended to be pruned.

c) 0 trees are recommended to be transplanted as a result of the Works.

d) 180 trees are recommended to be felled as a result of the Works. (including 2 ‘exempted’ weed trees)

Old and Valuable Trees and Important Trees

2.4.2 There are no Old and Valuable Trees (as listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Tuen Mun District.

2.4.3 There is 1 Important Tree (as defined by ETWBTC(W) 3/2006) in the Gazettal Boundary in the Tuen Mun District as described in Table 2.1. The tree will be retained.

Table 2.1 – Important Trees

DWG	Tree No.	Species	Location	Ht (m)	Dia. (m)	Spread (m)	Recommendation
406	T11343	Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	In abandoned land near Lok On Pai Siu Lam Flea Market.	8	1.172	12	Retain

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Species

2.4.4 A breakdown of the affected trees by species is provided in Tables 2.2a and 2.2b. Individual trees are listed in Table 2.2a and trees surveyed within Tree Groups are listed in Table 2.2b

Table 2.2a – Impacts on Trees by Species (Individually Surveyed Trees)

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis	1				1
Acacia confusa	287			115	402
Bombax ceiba	1				1
Casuarina equisetifolia	66			12	78
Celtis sinensis		2			2
Cinnamomum parthenoxylon	2				2
Cleistocalyx operculatus	2				2
Dimocarpus longan		5			5
Eucalyptus citriodora		1			1
Eucalyptus torelliana	11			33	44
Ficus hispida	3				3
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	4				4
Gordonia axillaris				3	3
Leucaena leucocephala	(55)*	(7)*		(2)*	(64)*
Litsea glutinosa				1	1
Lophostemon confertus	1				1
Macaranga tanarius	4	1		1	6
Pinus elliottii	70			11	81
Pinus massoniana	24			2	26
Rhaphiolepis indica	2				2
Rhus succedanea	1				1
Schefflera heptaphylla	4				4
Solanum erianthum	1				1
Tetradium glabrifolium	1				1
Grand Total	485 (540)*	9 (16)*	0	178 (180)*	672 (736)*

*Under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 Leucaena leucocephala is considered a self-seeded weed tree and can be felled w/o compensation. Totals without brackets exclude Leucaena. Totals in brackets include Leucaena.

Table 2.2b – Impacts on Trees by Species (Trees Surveyed in Tree Groups)

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	167				167
Casuarina equisetifolia	172				172
Eucalyptus torelliana	7				7
Gordonia axillaris	4				4
Leucaena leucocephala	(2)*				(2)*
Lophostemon confertus	10				10
Pinus elliottii	48				48
Schefflera heptaphylla	4				4
Grand Total	412 (414)*	0	0	0	412 (414)*

Breakdown of Affected Trees by Government Department

2.4.5 A breakdown of the affected trees according to the Government Department responsible to advise Lands Department under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 is provided below in Tables 2.3(a & b) to 2.4(a & b).

Table 2.3a – Affected Trees for which LCSD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 (Individually Surveyed Trees)

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	104			64	168
Casuarina equisetifolia	5			7	12
Cleistocalyx operculatus	2				2
Eucalyptus torelliana	1			17	18
Leucaena leucocephala				(1)*	(1)*
Litsea glutinosa				1	1
Lophostemon confertus	1				1
Pinus elliottii	30			8	38
Pinus massoniana	3			2	5
Schefflera heptaphylla	1				1
Grand Total	147	0	0	99 (100)*	246 (247)*

Table 2.3b – Affected Trees for which LCSD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 (Trees Surveyed in Tree Groups)

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	72				72
Casuarina equisetifolia	24				24
Pinus elliottii	24				24
Grand Total	120	0	0	0	120

Table 2.4a– Affected Trees for which AFCD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 (Individually Surveyed Trees)

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia auriculiformis	1				1
Acacia confusa	183			51	234
Bombax ceiba	1				1
Casuarina equisetifolia	61			5	66
Celtis sinensis		2			2
Cinnamomum parthenoxylon	2				2
Dimocarpus longan		5			5
Eucalyptus citriodora		1			1
Eucalyptus torelliana	10			16	26
Ficus hispida	3				3
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	4				4
Gordonia axillaris				3	3
Leucaena leucocephala	(55)*	(7)*		(1)*	(63)*
Macaranga tanarius	4	1		1	6
Pinus elliottii	40			3	43
Pinus massoniana	21				21
Rhaphiolepis indica	2				2
Rhus succedanea	1				1
Schefflera heptaphylla	3				3
Solanum erianthum	1				1
Tetradium glabrifolium	1				1
Grand Total	338 (393)*	9 (16)*	0	79 (80)*	426 (489)*

Table 2.4b – Affected Trees for which AFCD advise DLO under ETWBTC(W) 3/2006 (Trees Surveyed in Tree Groups)

TREE SPECIES	Retain	Retain & Prune	Transplant	Fell	TOTAL
Acacia confusa	95				95
Casuarina equisetifolia	148				148
Eucalyptus torelliana	7				7
Gordonia axillaris	4				4
Leucaena leucocephala	(2)*				(2)*
Lophostemon confertus	10				10
Pinus elliottii	24				24
Schefflera heptaphylla	4				4
Grand Total	292 (294)*	0	0	0	292 (294)

3 Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting proposal

_3.1_Introduction

3.1.1 The compensatory tree planting and transplanting proposals are indicated on the drawings in Appendix III and described below. The drawings indicate

¨ the existing trees that have been recommended to be retained;

¨ locations for proposed compensatory planting; and

¨ potential receptor sites for immediate transplanting of trees.

_3.2_T_r_{ee
Protection, Tree Pruning, and Tree Transplanting}_Proposals

Tree Protection Strategy

3.2.1 As identified in the Tree Survey, a number of trees that are proposed to be retained will be within the railway works areas and great care will need to be taken during construction to ensure that no damage occurs to them. Tree protection measures written into the contract documents shall include the provision of sturdy protective fencing located along the edge of the tree protection zone (not just around the tree trunk); prohibition of storage of any materials under the tree protection zone; prohibition of construction traffic under the tree protection zone; and prohibition of cleaning out of concrete mixers, or washing of equipment underneath the tree protection zone. The specification for the tree protection works will be according to the Soft Landscape Works Particular Specification, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Pruning Strategy

3.2.2 During the course of construction work, some trees which are recommended to be retained in their existing positions may need to have their roots or branches pruned to enable nearby construction work. The specification for the tree pruning works will be according to the Soft Landscape Works Particular Specification, attached in Appendix V.

Tree Transplanting Strategy

3.2.3 Whenever possible along the XRL, trees proposed to be transplanted will be moved directly to a final location within the works boundary. However, such final receptor locations will not be immediately available for all transplanted trees due to the works programme, in which case the trees that cannot be immediately located to a final receptor site will be transplanted to a Temporary Holding Nursery until such time as it is appropriate to transplant them to their final location.

3.2.4 In Tuen Mun District, none of the affected trees are proposed to be transplanted. However, there are some areas within the project boundary unaffected by the project works that would be able to immediately accept transplanted trees (refer to the areas coloured blue in the Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting Plans in Appendix III). Therefore, it is proposed to transplant some trees from Tsuen Wan District.

3.2.5 The exact final receptor sites of the transplanted trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

3.2.6 The specification for the tree transplanting works will be according to Particular Specification for Tree Works, Soft Landscape Works and Nursery Works, attached in Appendix V.

_3.3_{Compensatory Tree Planting}

Compensatory Tree Planting Strategy

3.3.1 In accordance with ETWBTC(W) 3/2006, the compensatory planting proposal has the basic primary objective of planting compensatory trees in a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of quality and quantity.

Numbers of Compensatory Trees

3.3.2 A total of 178 trees are proposed to be felled (not including dead and ‘exempted’ trees).

3.3.3 To compensate the 178 trees proposed to be felled, it is proposed to plant 240 Standard Trees in the district..

Locations for Compensatory Tree Planting

3.3.4 The exact final locations for the compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

3.3.5 Generally, the project design provides the following opportunities for compensatory tree planting in the Tuen Mun District:

a) Roadside planting at the access road to So Kwun Wat Magazine Site, on the reinstated site of the Magazine and on the site formation slopes to the south

b) Planting at the access road to Lok On Pai Barging Point

c) No compensatory planting is required or provided at the Lung Kwu Sheung Tan and Siu Lan Shui sites.

3.3.6 The approximate locations of the compensatory tree planting are indicated in the Compensatory Tree Planting Plans attached in Appendix III. Please note that these plans are not intended as detailed planting plans, which will be prepared later by the XRL Detail Design Consultants, once the detailed layouts of the permanent XRL structures and maintenance areas are finalised. However, the detailed planting plans prepared by the C802 and C803 Design Consultants will include the tree quantities specified herein as a minimum requirement.

Recommended Tree Species for use in XRL Project

3.3.7 Tables 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 list suggested tree compensation species to be used along the XRL. There are three lists for different primary functions – street / roadside avenue trees; native woodland planting; and ornamental planting.

3.3.8 It should be noted that that the lists are not exhaustive or exclusive, and landscape designers responsible for the detailed designs shall be permitted to propose suitable alternative species that meet the functional requirements of the landscape design.

Table 3.1 : Tree / Palm Species suitable for Native Woodland Planting

Native Species Only

Ailanthus fordii (Ailanthus)

Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree)

Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry)

Celtis sinensis (Chinese hackberry)

Choerospondias axillaries (Hog Plum)

Cinnamomum burmannii (Cinnamon tree)

Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)

Ficus superba var. japonica (Superb fig)

Ficusvariegata var. Chlorocarpa (Common red-stem)

Ficus virens var. sublanceolata (Big-leaved fig)

Liquidambar formosana (Sweet gum)

Litsea glutinosa (Pond spice)

Litsea monopetala (Persimmon–leaved Litsea)

Macaranga tanarius (Elephant’s ear)

Phoenix hanceana (Spiny date-palm)

Reevesia thyrsoidea (Reevesia)

Schefflera heptaphylla (Ivy Tree)

Sapium discolor (Mountain tallow)

Sapium sebiferum (Tallow-tree)

Sterculia lanceolata (Scarlet Sterculia)

Table 3.2 : Tree / Palm Species suitable for Roadside and Street Tree Planting

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Aleurites moluccana (Candlenut tree)

Bischofia javanica (Autumn maple)

Bombax ceiba (Cotton tree)

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree)

Crateva unilocularis (Spider tree)

Delonix regia (Flame of the forest)

Liquidambar formosana (Sweet gum)

Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paper-bark tree)

Falcataria moluccana (Batai, Albizia)

Peltophorum pterocarpum (Yellow Poinciana)

Ficus benjamina (Weeping fig)

Tabebuia rosea (Pink Trumpet)

Terminalia mantaly (Madagascar Almond)

Table 3.3 : Other Tree / Palm Species suitable for Ornamental Planting

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)
Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-pod Wattle) Acacia confusa (Acacia, Wattle) Acacia mangium (Acacia, Wattle) Archontophoenix alexandrae (King palm) Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree) Bauhinia variegata (Camel’s foot tree) Callistemon viminalis (Tall bottlebrush) Callistemon rigidus (Stiff bottlebrush) Caryota ochlandra (Fishtail palm) Cassia fistula (Golden shower) Cassia siamea (Kassod tree) Cassia surattensis (Sunshine tree) Casuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail tree) Erythrina corallodendron (Coralbean tree) Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree) Erythrina speciosa (Common Coral tree) Ficus elastica (India-rubber Tree) Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree) Ficus rumphii (Mock Peepul Tree)	Grevillea banksii (Bank’s Grevillea) Grevillea robusta (Silk oak) Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape-myrtle) Livistona chinensis* (Chinese fan-palm) Magnolia grandiflora (Lotus-flowered Magnolia) Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac) Michelia x alba (White champak) Millettia brandisiana (Mempari) Plumeria acutifolia (Frangipani) Plumeria rubra (Frangipani) Pterocarpus indicus (Burmese rosewood) Roystonea regia (Royal palm) Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree) Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) Syzygium cumuni (Java Plum) Syzygium jambos (Rose Apple) Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree) Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm) Washingtonia robusta (Petticoat palm)

Primarily Non-native Species (Native Species underlined)

Acacia auriculiformis (Ear-pod Wattle)

Acacia confusa (Acacia, Wattle)

Acacia mangium (Acacia, Wattle)

Archontophoenix alexandrae (King palm)

Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong orchid tree)

Bauhinia variegata (Camel’s foot tree)

Callistemon viminalis (Tall bottlebrush)

Callistemon rigidus (Stiff bottlebrush)

Caryota ochlandra (Fishtail palm)

Cassia fistula (Golden shower)

Cassia siamea (Kassod tree)

Cassia surattensis (Sunshine tree)

Casuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail tree)

Erythrina corallodendron (Coralbean tree)

Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree)

Erythrina speciosa (Common Coral tree)

Ficus elastica (India-rubber Tree)

Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree)

Ficus rumphii (Mock Peepul Tree)

Grevillea banksii (Bank’s Grevillea)

Grevillea robusta (Silk oak)

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queen crape-myrtle)

Livistona chinensis* (Chinese fan-palm)

Magnolia grandiflora (Lotus-flowered Magnolia)

Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac)

Michelia x alba (White champak)

Millettia brandisiana (Mempari)

Plumeria acutifolia (Frangipani)

Plumeria rubra (Frangipani)

Pterocarpus indicus (Burmese rosewood)

Roystonea regia (Royal palm)

Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syzygium cumuni (Java Plum)

Syzygium jambos (Rose Apple)

Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree)

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

Terminalia catappa (Indian almond)

Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm)

Washingtonia robusta (Petticoat palm)

*Livistona chinensis is native to South China

Programme for Compensatory Tree Planting

3.3.9 The compensatory tree planting will be undertaken as part of the XRL works contracts. The compensatory planting will be programmed to be complete by the time of the opening of the railway, so that the mitigation effect of the planting is felt from day one of the railway operation. The detailed programme for the compensatory tree planting will be determined by the works contractors to meet this requirement. The trees will be planted at the earliest possible time.

_3.4_{Consolidated Findings of Tree Survey and Compensatory Proposals in this
Application}

3.4.1 Table 3.4 summarises the consolidated findings and recommendations of the tree survey and compensatory planting proposals.

Table 3.4 : Summary of Tree Totals for TLP-5: Works in Tuen Mun District (including Trees in Tree Groups)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Total Trees in Tuen Mun District

Trees to be retained

Trees to be retained and pruned

Trees to be transplanted

Trees to be felled (excludes 12 nos. dead tree)

Proposed Compensatory Tree Planting

1084 (1150)*

897 (954)*

9 (16)*

178 (180)*

240 Standard Trees

3.4.2 A total of 1150 trees(including “exempted” weed trees) currently exist in the area covered by TLP-5.

3.4.3 There are no Old and Valuable Trees (as listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees), however, there is one ‘Important Tree’ (as defined by ETWBTC(W) 29/2004) as described in Table 2.1. This tree will be retained.

3.4.4 954 trees (including 57 no. Leucaena leucocephala) will be retained (including 1 ‘Important Tree’), 180 trees will be felled (including 2 no. Leucaena leucocephala), 0 trees will be transplanted, and 240 Standard Trees will be planted as compensation.

3.4.5 In addition, transplanted trees from other Districts (e.g. Tsuen Wan) may be planted within Tuen Mun District.

3.4.6 The exact final locations of the transplanted and compensatory trees will depend on the detailed design of the engineering works.

3.4.7 The landscape plan, compensatory tree planting and transplanting plans shown in Appendix III are based on the latest design at the date of this submission. Subsequent design, if any, would comply with the requirement of provision of minimum number of compensatory trees and mitigation measures as stated in the approved EIA.

	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
Tree Felling Application	Trees Surveyed in Gazettal Boundary	Trees to be Retained	Trees to be Retained and Pruned	Trees to be transplanted	Trees to be Felled	Compensatory Tree Planting
***TLP-1: Works in Yau Tsim Mong District	2410 (2540)*	1497 (1533)*	4	373	536 (630)*	835
***TLP-2: Works in Sham Shui Po District	1116 (1458)*	427 (590)*	2 (3)*	474	213 (391)*	281
***TLP-3: Works in Kwai Tsing District	54 (67)*	36 (38)*	0	4	14 (25)*	14
**TLP-4: Works in Tsuen Wan District	372 (386)*	297 (309)*	0	42	33 (35)*	51
**TLP-5: Works in Tuen Mun District	1084 (1150)*	897 (954)*	9 (16)*	0	178 (180)*	240
***TLP-6: Works in Yuen Long District – Mai Po	109 (121)*	16 (20)*	1	8	84 (92)*	99
*****TLP-7: Works in Yuen Long District - Remainder	4245# (4937)*	1301# (1462)*	0	176#	2768# (3299)*	4650#
CUMULATIVE TOTAL	9390 (10659)*	4471 (4906)*	16 (24)*	1077	3826 (4652)*	6170#

1 Introduction

2 Tree Survey Findings and recommendations

3 Compensatory Tree Planting and Transplanting proposal

4 Cumulative Tree Felling and Tree Compensation for the XRL