Rooting out risks from old trees in George Town

TRAVELLING along some streets in George Town, Penang, makes one feel like driving through a garden.

These big, beautiful shady trees can be found looming above the traffic congestion, particularly along Jalan Macalister, Jalan Burmah, Jalan Masjid Negeri and Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Penangites might take these trees for granted but I have heard friends from out-of-town admiring their beauty.

Some of these trees were planted before Merdeka, when bullock carts and horse buggies were a common sight on Penang streets.

I grew up with these trees. So, it was sad when I realised these trees are now safety hazards, especially during storms.

Recently, two Penangites on a motorcycle escaped with minor injuries when their bike got crushed under a fallen 18m-high tree along Jalan Burmah.

They reacted in milliseconds, jumping off the motorcycle before the tree fell at nearly midnight.

In May, an angsana tree along Jalan Macalister was uprooted after a morning downpour.

Massive old trees lining Jalan Macalister are now a danger in spite of the shade and charm they lend to the area. — Filepic

The tree fell across the road and hit another angsana tree, damaging four parked cars.

The falling trees almost crushed a multi-purpose vehicle. The woman driver and her son luckily escaped with only minor injuries.

Both trees were believed to be about a hundred years old.

In May, a man in Kuala Lumpur died while two others were injured after a giant tree fell along Jalan Sultan Ismail.

In the same month, two men cheated death in Alor Setar, Kedah, after a huge tree fell on their vehicles.

May was the month of the inter-monsoon period.

Another inter-monsoon period is upon us before the northeast monsoon starts in October.

For the record, nearly 150,000 trees are under the care of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

Arborist Mohd Dzikry Mohamad Hydzir said trees need ample space for their roots to expand but road pavements and tarring hinder this.

“Yes, the trees have been there for quite long but when new roads were built, those who built the roads did not take measures to preserve the trees.

“It’s important for urban planners to consider sustainable practices, like incorporating trees into the design or replanting them elsewhere,” he said.

Urban planners needed to “revamp” the streetscape of George Town, said Mohd Dzikry.

“There are many other tree species that are better suited for roadside planting, providing the same aesthetics and environmental benefits without the hazards posed by ageing trees.

“Trees like Ginkgo Biloba, Pin Oak and Red Maple are suitable,” he said.

When selecting street trees, it’s important to consider factors like drought and salt tolerance, and absence of aggressive roots.

Trees with these characteristics can thrive in challenging urban environments while providing benefits like shade, stormwater management and aesthetic appeal.

Saying goodbye to the old trees is not easy but it’s a step toward ensuring George Town remains beautiful and safe.

MBPP has stated that public safety comes first.

So, our grand old trees which are sick or simply too old will have to be felled.

By replanting new species that are more suited to urban life, we can create fresh and sustainable tree canopies for future generations to enjoy.

The time has come for us to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.