IS CUTTING DOWN WAYSIDE TREES THE

CORRECT STRATEGY IN REDUCING

MEGA STORM DAMAGE IN PENANG,
MALAYSIA?

September 6-7, 2013

National Institute of Physics,
UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
 INTRODUCTION
• The mega storm of 16th June 2013 that hit
Penang, Malaysia took three lives and caused
severe damage to homes, businesses and
infra-structures. Many wayside trees were
uprooted causing massive traffic havoc. One
of the dead victims rammed into an uprooted
wayside tree. The Chief Minister of Penang
said owners of trees can now chop trees if
they think there is a safety issue.
• Are we on the right track in planting wayside
trees?
 Value of Trees
• living elements of the ecosystem (Ismail et al.,
2001)
• unique historical or horticultural significance
(City of Portland, 2013).
• seen as an added value for modern landscape
• intrinsic values of trees are many and among
the values are climate air conditioners
(Jacquot,2008)
 METHODOLOGY
• Visual identification of fallen trees after the storm
on selected areas
• Four sites were choosen as study sites for this
paper.
• (1) The hill side trail from Air Itam to Penang Hill.
• (2) Highway after Penang Bridge on mainland
Penang.
• (3) Jalan Perusahan, Prai.
• (4) Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park
 RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS
• In Malaysia, plants repeatedly planted mainly for
aesthetic purpose and provision of shade (Ismail
et al., 2001) while in Penang, the Trumpet tree
(Tabebuia spp.) is gaining popularity for the
cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata) look alike
blooming characteristics. But are they suitable?

Non-native Tabebuia spp vs Native species Bungor spp

 Native trees are best adapted to
local environment
• Wayside trees are mostly fast
growing and provide good shades
which are imported species.
• Local slow growing trees were
not given preferences.
Two layers of soil – top laterite and bottom saline mud.
The roots of non-native wayside trees could not spread
deeper then the mud. This was observed from the
uprooted tree along the highway E1 in mainland
immediately after the Penang Bridge.

Effect of non-native tree (Cassia spp)

Many uprooted trees were found to be infested with diseases such as fungi and
termite invasion. In former water clogged area, non-native trees will be easily
infested with tropical fungi. Below - a typical healthy raintree with roots infested
with fungi. Planting native trees that could adapt to low water table would have
lessen the problem of fungi infestion.
Non-native trees that have weaker
root system
 Choosing the right tree :
Non-native Mahagony has strong roots
Before the Mega Storm
After the Mega Storm
Before

After
Is this necessary just because a
few uprooted trees?
 Professional inspection of the trees
before they were axed
• Hammond (1975) guidelines for a good inspection:-
• Look for general symptoms of debility.
• Thinning of the foliage and dying back of the branches is an
indication of ill health in a tree.
• Wounds where branches have been removed should be
checked.
• Areas where bark has peeled off should be examined, as
they indicate dead wood beneath.
• Look for sign of fungal or bacterial disease and the
presence of toadstools or brackets indicates fungal decay.
• Moisture on trunk indicate the presence of internal rot.
 When diseases affected one tree, the
whole species could be subjected to the
problem.

Along Jalan Perusahaan (P17), Casuarina equisetifolia

showing sign and symptoms of fungi infestion were
seen spreading over several trees upon closer
inspection.
 Mono species should be avoided
N Area GPS Location Mono tree
o species

1 E1 From N05.35520 E Yellow flame

(Butterworth 100.39061 to (Peltophorum
Penang Bridge N05.36316 E pterocarp)
Tol) 100.39562
2 P17 (Jalan From N05.35103 Casuarina
Perusahaan, E100.42149 to equisetifolia
Perai, Penang) N05.33778
E100.43024
Acacia auriculiformis is a popular wayside tree originated
from Northern Australia. This tree is able to adapt to
nutrient-poor soils in humid tropics and fast growing.

Three in a row - Acacia auriculiformis trees infested with termite and diseases.
Status of Acacia auriculiformis trees
planted along the jeep road to the peak of
Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest.
Tree Status Tree counted Percentage
Dead trees 25 52.1%
Infested trees 16 33.3%
Healthy trees 7 14.6%
Total 48 100%
 CONCLUSION
• Globalisation has influenced tree propagation
• Many non-native spieces could not adapted to
local conditions
• Mono planting same species for aesthetic
purposes should not be encouraged although they
look neat, beautiful and well arranged.
• Treatment against fungi, termites and diseases
should be given priority.
• Proper trimming and inspection for infection at
regular periods will be a better preventive action
than cutting and replanting new trees
• Old trees have more heritage values and
should be cherished for future generations.
• Tree planting should heed the condition of
soil, humidity, suitablility of trees to local
conditions, infection from fungi and termites,
balanced ecosystem and landscaping
interests.
• Planting correct trees from the onset of any
landscape project is important for the future
and the avoiding the consequences of
dangerous uprooted trees after a mega storm.
Terima Kasih