NParks and LIAS lead new workgroup to develop first national standard on tree management

Singapore, 27 June 2025 – The National Parks Board (NParks) and the Landscape Industry Association (Singapore) (LIAS) will be leading a new workgroup to develop the first national standard on tree management. When established, the new Code of Practice for Pruning of Trees in Tropical Urban Landscapes (Code of Practice) will set out common standards for tree pruning and industry-recognised best practices for tree care practitioners in Singapore. 

The new standard will be developed with a focus on tropical urban environments, as existing tree care practices are largely referenced from international standards developed for temperate cities and tree species. Beyond its relevance to Singapore’s landscape industry, the standard can also serve as a valuable resource for tree care practitioners managing tropical trees in the region. 

This announcement was shared today by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, at the LIAS Awards of Excellence 2025 Gala Dinner at Shangri-La Singapore. 

The Code of Practice will provide tree owners, tree care practitioners and training providers with clear guidelines on standards related to tree pruning. It will also outline the principles, techniques, and standards for tree pruning that are aligned with industry-recognised best practices.

To develop the Code of Practice, NParks is working in close partnership with LIAS, which represents professionals from the landscape and arboricultural sectors and promotes professionalism and quality in landscape products and services. Landscape firms – including LIAS council members – provide tree care services for the trees in Singapore, which are managed by government agencies or private entities. This collaboration allows NParks, as the lead agency for the greening of Singapore, to draw on the expertise of industry practitioners experienced in managing the unique challenges of tropical tree care. Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council will be convening a workgroup, co-chaired by NParks and LIAS, to develop the Code of Practice. The workgroup will comprise around 20 members from government agencies (e.g. HDB and JTC), town councils, private property owners, arboriculture professionals, landscape companies and training providers.

 

In shaping the Code of Practice, the workgroup will conduct focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including service providers such as landscape companies, facilities managers and managing agents, and tree owners who procure tree care services. The wider community will also be invited to provide feedback once the draft is ready, ensuring the Code of Practice incorporates broader views beyond the industry. When finalised, the Code of Practice will be shared with the landscape industry and the public to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of common standards and best practices.

“This Code of Practice for Pruning of Trees in Tropical Urban Landscapes marks a significant milestone in our continued collaboration with industry partners to raise professional standards in Singapore's landscape sector. Given that there are multiple parties involved in the care and management of our urban trees, having a standard set of clear, science-based guidelines for tree care becomes increasingly important. This Code provides a baseline reference not only for tree care professionals, but also for anyone who interacts with trees as part of their daily work. By establishing these shared standards together with our industry partners, we hope to better support the long-term health of our tropical urban trees and raise the overall quality of tree care in Singapore,” said Mr Oh Cheow Sheng, Group Director, Streetscape, National Parks Board. 

“As industry specialists, we play an integral role as a custodian of our urban trees, to harmonise aesthetic, functional, and ecological considerations in urban tree management. Let us all work together to make our trees safe and beautiful for our City in Nature,” said Mr Martin Tay, Council Member, Landscape Industry Association (Singapore).

As part of efforts to continue raising tree care standards in Singapore, NParks is also actively looking into standards in other areas of greenery management, with tree inspection among those currently in the pipeline. 

The LIAS Awards of Excellence 2025 marks the prestigious 10th edition of this biennial awards programme, honouring outstanding achievements in Singapore’s landscape industry. This year, a total of 99 winners were recognised across seven categories – Implementation, Maintenance, Design & Build, Green Wall, Playground, Open, and Overseas – celebrating excellence, innovation, and best practices in landscape design, construction, and management.

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