Fig tree death stirs community memories

After standing tall for more than 200 years, this iconic fig tree is being removed, with the local Brisbane community calling for a replacement. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Fig Tree Place historic fig is to be cut down after measures to save it were unsuccessful

As Redland City Council continues to remove a historic dead fig in Ormiston, the community has called for another to be planted in its place as social media lit up with memories of the old tree.

Local Charlotte Ralph wrote on Facebook “I used to call 145 Wellington Street home and I feel lucky that we were able to occasionally climb this historic tree and enjoy its beauty”.

“It’s a real shame to see it has to be removed.

“I hope the council take great care in what they decide to do with this slice of Redlands soil and that they replant another charming native tree.”

Michele and Mick Di Leva think Council should “plant something else that will last another 200 years for our future families”.

Their calls were echoed by many others.

Vonne Vo asked Council to “consider replanting a replacement fig tree for future generations. I enjoy seeing these beautiful trees, many childhood memories of these beautiful trees”.

“Some years ago, new fig trees were planted on roundabouts in our area and now they add to the coastal feel of the Redlands.”

Nev Fritz Brunton shared a little history on the tree.

50C A DAY FOR 6 MONTHS: SUBSCRIBE TO REDLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS & THE COURIER MAIL

A healthy Moreton Bay fig Tree

“What a pity. This huge tree was mentioned in surveyors reports over 200 years ago … it was a massive tree then. An icon gone forever. The number of local kids that played in it … broke their arms … busted their heads … memories that will be erased forever,” he wrote.

Susan Lee said although she no longer lived on Wellington Street, Ormiston it was “O so sad to lose this tree but certainly a wise decision … but still see my time there as special. It's a place that's forever in my heart.”

And finally Krys Beutel, Michelle Brown, Michelle Humbles reflected on “our childhood climbing tree is going to be missed, it won’t be the same to go to my mum’s not to see it there across the road! So many fond memories with the Ormiston crew”.

Redland City Council advised this week the dead tree in Fig Tree Place, Ormiston would be removed “after losing a long battle to save it”.

A Council spokesman said the tree had been closely monitored over several years but “remediation treatments to rejuvenate its health unfortunately were unsuccessful”.

“Council’s decision to remove it and replace it with another tree was validated by a report from a private consulting arborist, which showed it had suffered from severe fungal disease,” the spokesman said.

“The fig tree has since been reduced in size within a fenced off area so that it poses no immediate risk to the public.”

The spokesman said future replanting options would be negotiated with the community.