A much-loved fig tree in Freshwater will be removed later this month in the interest of public safety.
Assessments of the weeping fig tree at Richmond Park, estimated to be 60-65-years old, have been carried out by three arborists: Council's senior arborist, an independent arborist and an arborist engaged by a concerned community member.
The investigations found several widespread fungal infections throughout the tree. Two of the fungi are aggressive and incurable: Ganoderma sp. and Pyrrhoderma noxium, and will lead to the tree's eventual death.
Years of car parking under the tree has compacted the soil under the canopy, damaging the roots and affecting the tree's health.
Due to the tree's poor health, level of decay and structural constraints identified in the various reports, Council has determined that removal of the tree is the most appropriate course of action.
"It is always disheartening to remove any tree, particularly one that has such significance to the community," Division 6 Councillor Kristy Vallely said.
"In May, a large branch fell from the fig tree onto a parked car, and the extent of the tree's decay became apparent.
"As a result, Council erected a fence around the tree to create an exclusion zone, Council's arborist undertook a preliminary assessment, and emergency deadwood and crown pruning took place to make the site safe."
