Wellington Point locals are swapping memories of a large poinciana on Main Road that officials say must come down, including family meals in its shade stretching back decades.
A Tree Weakened From Within
The poinciana stands at the frontage of 400 Main Road. Council said its assessments turned up decay inside the stem and at the bottom of the trunk, which has seriously weakened the tree and raised the chance that it could fail. That matters on a road used by residents, motorists and pedestrians, and Council said removal is needed to keep them safe. It also said mature trees help shape the character of the city, and it thanked the community for understanding.
More Than Shade on a Main Road
Some trees are just trees. This one has a history with the people who live around it. One local said their family has shared plenty of meals in its shade since the 1980s. Another grew up watching it get taller and called it a fixture of the suburb. One commenter used the word landmark. Three others said they were sad to hear the news but accepted that Council had a clear reason.
The Question Nobody Has Answered
Will another tree take its place? Council’s announcement did not say. Dozens of people commented on Council’s post anyway, and many asked for a replacement.
Their wish lists differ. Some want another poinciana, which they say has become a familiar sight along main streets in the Redlands. Others want a large or mature tree, and some prefer a native species. One person asked for a flowering tree to help bees, and another suggested planting more trees along the main road in Victoria Point.
A koala food tree was also put forward, according to the news report on the announcement. Other commenters pushed back, arguing that koalas drawn to a busy road could end up in danger. Then there is the doubt. A couple of people said they expect no replacement at all, and one asked Council to plant a mature tree in place of any tree it removes.
What Might Have Caused the Decay?
Council’s announcement did not say what caused the decay. Several commenters offered their own ideas. They pointed to concrete, asphalt and buildings close to the tree, suggesting the roots had little room to spread. One person said a large canopy needs a root system to match, and that big trees can struggle for water and nutrients without one. These are opinions from commenters, not findings.
Not everyone is convinced the tree was in trouble. One person said it looked green and healthy, while another said a tree’s condition is hard to judge just by looking at it. Two people simply wanted to know how old it is.
Birds, Timber and the Work Ahead
Residents also have thoughts on how the job should be done. One asked that trees not be cut during nesting season. Another wants spotter-catchers on site, saying birds were inside council trees that were cut down near their home last year. That claim has not been confirmed. A third commenter said a fig tree near a roundabout at the start of Montgomery Drive had disappeared without warning, and asked Council to explain. That claim has also not been confirmed. One more wanted to know what is being done to protect healthy trees.
One commenter had a gentler idea: let local woodworkers turn the timber into something new.
Council’s announcement did not include a removal date or say whether a new tree is planned. Until it does, people at Wellington Point are filling the gap with memories and suggestions.
Published Date 30-September-2026
