Cleveland poinciana succumbs to decay and collapses

One of Cleveland’s iconic poinciana trees has succumbed to interior wood rot with Redland City Council advising it can not be saved.

The tree in the centre of Anzac Park, opposite the Redlands RSL, broke apart at the main stem this morning and collapsed.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council workers were now removing the tree and the stump would be ground down at a later date.

“The collapse of the tree was witnessed by a Council tree assessment officer who happened to be working nearby and noticed a large branch hanging down from the poinciana at about 8am this morning,” Cr Williams said.

“Upon closer investigation, the officer saw and heard cracks appearing in the main structural part of the tree.

“He established an exclusion zone and was keeping pedestrians away from the scene when he witnessed the entire tree split apart.”

Cr Williams said inspection of the shattered trunk revealed the poinciana had suffered deep internal rotting and could not be saved.

“Poincianas have become iconic on Redlands Coast, not only within the Cleveland area but across many parts of our city,” she said.

“It is sad when they do die, especially when they have become such landmarks in highly visible areas such as Anzac Park.”