Singapore launches first national tree management standard

Tree owners have been urged not to over-prune, even if they're trying to deter pests. The National Parks Board said doing so may weaken trees and increase the risk of them falling. To ensure trees get better care, Singapore has set out its first national standard on tree management. The guidelines include methods on pruning trees in ways that minimise damage and removing branches that could weaken the tree over time. The aim is for trees to better withstand severe weather and reduce the risks of tree-related incidents. From H2 2026, all new government contracts involving arboriculture works must comply with the standard. Charlotte Lim reports.