135-year-old raintree at Taiping Lake Gardens uprooted, efforts underway to save it

IPOH: A 135-year-old raintree has been uprooted at the Taiping Lake Gardens.

Taiping Municipal Council president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir said the incident occurred at the Raintree Walk at the lake gardens on Tuesday (Feb 22).

Khairul Amir said based on a report by an arborist, the main cause was due to its structural imbalance, as it was already leaning and compounded by a storm.

"To ensure the safety of the public, the nearby area has been cordoned off.

"The people are advised not to have any activities in the area to prevent permanent damage to the fallen tree," he said in a statement on Friday (feb 25).

Khairul Amir said the municipal council will ensure that the tree would be saved immediately and as best as they could.

"Restoration works includes upholding the tree, pruning its branches and treating the roots and soil.

"The tree will be monitored and maintained within 12 months until it has been restored," he said, adding that other trees in the surrounding area would also be provided with support and their roots treated.