Maintenance to begin on Laman Street fig trees

newy.com.au – Planned maintenance will begin this week on one of the Laman Street fig trees in Newcastle as City of Newcastle undertakes work to support the tree’s long-term health and growth.

The trees form one of Newcastle’s most recognisable green corridors, framing the Newcastle Art Gallery and providing a leafy canopy for visitors and passers-by.

City of Newcastle said customised underground root vaults were installed when the figs were planted more than a decade ago to help the trees establish and support root growth as they matured. With the trees now at that stage of development, the next phase of planned maintenance is due.

The work will involve removing a small inner section of pavers around one tree and replacing it with soil and mulch to improve growing conditions for the roots. The maintenance is expected to take about five days and will be carried out under the supervision of a qualified arborist using non-destructive excavation techniques to protect the tree and its roots.