Can tree removal or pruning be carried out by private lot owners in emergency situations?

For the sake of public safety, tree pruning or removal can first be carried out by the owner of a private lot if the tree within the lot is considered to pose an immediate danger to the public after assessment by a professional employed by the lot owner meeting the requirements of the Practice Note Issue No. 7/2007 even though the lease of the lot contains a tree preservation clause (see Q.23). But the lot owner or his/her representative has to submit a detailed report prepared by the professional to Lands D within 21 days after the pruning or removal of the tree. The report should contain the justifications and evidence for tree pruning or removal, photos taken before and after the pruning or removal works, and the required compensatory planting proposal. For details, please refer to Appendix II of the Practice Note Issue No. 7/2007 of Lands D.