Last days of an old fig tree

An old 13-meter-tall big-leaved fig at Justice Place in Central will be removed on Saturday due to its very poor structural and health condition.

The tree, listed on the Register of Old and Valuable Trees, was heavily damaged during super typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.

Over the past six years, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has carried out regular inspections and maintenance of the tree, including applying compost to improve growth, using fungicides, and pruning to alleviate the tree risk.

But its condition deteriorated, with the roots and trunk affected by a fungal infection, and most branches damaged or collapsed.

Only a 4.5-meter-tall tree trunk remains now, and authorities say the tree cannot be recovered. They have decided to remove the tree after consulting the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel through the Tree Management Office and the Central and Western District Council.

A common saraca will be planted at the same spot.

LCSD assured that it will adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees.