Transplanting Two Champion Specimens of Mature Chinese Banyans

Abstract

Recent expansion of a urban-situated racecourse in Hong Kong proposed felling two champion specimens of mature Chinese Banyans (Ficus microcarpa). In response to public outcry, they were transplanted at great cost to a nearby site. The arboricultural-cum-engineering measures used to move the large trees, an unprecedented operation locally, are explained. The hydraulic approach conveying the trees held in 8 m diameter steel containers running on rails was workable but expensive. The impacts on the trees, and implications on the community's attitude towards trees and their welfare, are discussed.