A MAGNIFICENT 150-year-old Cleveland fig tree has been cut down after its rotting limbs were deemed dangerous to public safety.
The footpath tree between the RSL and the Grand View Hotel was believed to have been planted in 1879 by Williams Finucane.
“While is it not possible to confirm the age of the individual ficus (fig) tree that was removed, it is known that many of the figs on North and Shore Streets were planted in 1870 by William Finucane,’’ a Redland City Council spokeswoman said.
The tree plantings were covered in a publication produced almost 70 years ago which celebrated Cleveland’s centenary.
“In regards to the tree in question, the decision was made to remove this ficus in the interests of public safety,’’ she said.
“A large portion of the main trunk had been compromised by rot, decay and signs of pathogens.
“This lack of structural integrity meant it was unsafe for the tree to stay in place in this high traffic area.’’
She said the historical avenue of figs would continue, with another to be planted after the stump was ground out.