Just before 8pm on Friday 29th August, 2025, damaging winds of around 115 km/h caused a crack in the lower trunk of our gracious old Carolina Poplar tree. Within half an hour, the trunk split completely, and the tree collapsed, leaving just 8 metres of damaged trunk still standing. Luckily, most of the debris hit the front garden without reaching the power lines across the front of the property. But there has been damage to our building and the neighbours.
The neighbours were informed soon after the first crack appeared, and the SES was alerted to a possible unstoppable catastrophe. No one was hurt.
Luckily the tree fell in the best possible way, causing the least amount of damage. This was an amazing outcome given that the tree was about 25 metres tall, with a trunk of about 4.3 metres in circumference (approximately 1.4 metres in diameter) near the base. I have no idea what it weighs, but it could be around 10 to 20 tonnes.
This will be a devastating loss for us as the big old tree was the dominant feature of the house and garden. We have many happy memories surrounding our tree from just its sense of presence and sound, its cooling shade in summer, the colour of the autumn leaves, and its attraction of wildlife including koalas, bees and our favourite birds.
We feel a sense of loss but also of very good luck. I'm sure we will mourn the loss of our tree for a long time.
We are insured but I imagine the clear up and repairs will take much time. The SES attended on Sunday 31st August, 2025, but quickly decided the task of removing the tree from the house was too big and too dangerous for them to attempt. Hopefully my insurance will have a 'Plan B'.
Update: Day 11 - 9th September 2025... the chainsaw crew has finished but some tidying up work is still to be completed. (New photos added).
Thanks to all for sympathy and support. I will update more here when as progress is made.
Roger Alexander and family.
