Singapore launched SS 724, its first national standard for tree management and pruning, on June 30, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The standard provides detailed guidelines for pruning trees along roads, parks, and both public and private properties across the city-state [3].

The new rules aim to improve tree health and safety while boosting resilience against climate challenges such as heavier rainfall and stronger winds [1, 2, 3]. NParks, which manages about 7 million trees in Singapore and outsources much of the greenery maintenance, will require all contractors handling arboriculture work to comply with SS 724 starting July 1, 2026 [1, 2].

Poor pruning practices can weaken trees and lead to failures that damage ecosystem functions, officials said [1, 2, 3]. To enforce the standards, penalties including administrative charges and tarnished contractor records will be issued for substandard pruning, NParks group director for streetscape Oh Cheow Sheng said. "Errant contractors can incur administrative charges, tarnish track records and face other penalties," he noted [1].

The standard was co-developed by NParks and the Landscape Industry Association (Singapore) with input from about 60 industry representatives to ensure it reflects expert knowledge and best practices [1, 2, 3]. It adapts international standards to Singapore's tropical urban environment [3]. According to NParks and the association, "SS 724 sets out common standards for tree pruning and industry-recognised best practices in Singapore, raising the overall standard of tree care and supporting the long-term health of our urban trees." They added that "Pruning removes a tree’s diseased or defective branches, improves its health and builds resilience against severe weather." [3]

Fourteen government agencies and organizations—including the Defence Science and Technology Agency, JTC Corporation, National Environment Agency, Sentosa Development Corporation, Singapore Land Authority, and Sport Singapore—have committed to adopt the standard [1, 2]. NParks is also engaging major tree care agencies to voluntarily include SS 724 in new maintenance contracts [1, 2].

Starting in the second half of 2026, NParks plans to require compliance with SS 724 for new tree care contracts to further improve urban tree management [3].