A giant falls in Lalbagh: 150-year-old tree brought down by rains

A monumental 150-year-old Ficus cunninghamii tree came crashing down in Lalbagh Botanical Garden on Friday evening, drawing a quiet close to a towering icon in Bengaluru’s green sanctuary. The massive tree, which stood 70 feet high with a trunk spread measuring nearly 12 feet, had grown in two diverging directions over time.

According to horticulture officials, the recent heavy rainfall likely weakened the structure. The split at the base, where the trunk branched into two major limbs, finally gave way under pressure.

“There have been no pest issues, and the tree was well maintained regularly,” said a senior horticulture department official, ruling out neglect as a factor.

Despite its impressive stature, the fallen tree’s wood holds little commercial value. Instead, the remains will be converted into firewood, ensuring the giant continues to serve a purpose even in its end.

Tree removal operations are scheduled to start tomorrow and may take three to four days to complete, given the tree’s immense size and spread.

The fall marks not just the end of an old tree, but the loss of a historic natural landmark, one that quietly witnessed generations pass through Lalbagh’s famed pathways.

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#BengaluruRains
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#UrbanNatureWatch