Final days for Scarborough Beach park tree

A huge fig tree, which has been part of Scarborough Beach foreshore for more than 80 years, is to be removed.

The mature fig has “suffered severe and irreversible decline” during the last 12 months due to a fungal pathogen which has yet to be identified.

Moreton Bay City Council says around half the tree’s canopy is dead, remaining foliage is minimal and the “structural integrity of the tree has been significantly compromised.”

Cr Sandra Ruck (Div 5) said posted on social media: “Root investigations revealed extensive root loss and decay, consistent with an aggressive fungal infection affecting the tree’s ability to take up water.

“Unfortunately, this means the tree can no longer recover or be made safe for the high-traffic foreshore environment.”

Work has been done to try and save the tree, without success.

The tree is expected to be removed during the next three months with the stump to be ground down below the soil surface.

Cr Ruck’s post said: “Council understands the community’s strong connection with this area and share in the disappointment of losing such a significant tree.

“Council officers are exploring opportunities for future planting in the area to honour its legacy.”