Adelaide residents rally to save 200-year-old tree

In a quiet Adelaide neighborhood, residents are rallying to save an ancient river red gum tree that has become a local icon. This towering tree, estimated to be over 200 years old, stands in the middle of Overbury Drive, forcing the road to curve around it. Local residents frequently see visitors stopping to take photos of the tree, which is often referred to as the “Sacred Tree.” Many feel a strong connection to it, including Paolo Rossi, who moved to the area primarily to live near the historic tree. Recently, he began to worry as the tree started showing signs of distress, such as drying leaves and dead branches. Rossi’s concerns reflect a broader issue facing urban trees. Cities worldwide lose thousands of mature trees each year, which are vital for biodiversity and cooling urban areas. Urban development often leads to damage to trees' roots, further exacerbating their decline. The red gum on Overbury Drive has legal protection thanks to a local farmer's will from 1943. The will mandates that it be preserved even amid neighborhood changes. However, as the area has developed, the tree's health has worsened due to less rainfall and increasing heat. To combat the tree's decline, residents mobilized, calling for action from local authorities. Their efforts led to the City of Unley council making plans to irrigate the tree and create a garden area around it. Since the installation of water bollards, the tree has started showing signs of recovery, with greener leaves and new growth. Despite these positive signs, some residents remain concerned about other trees being removed in their area. The conflict between urban development and tree conservation continues, as local governments sometimes prioritize land use over protecting established trees. For now, residents like Rossi are relieved to see life returning to their beloved tree. “I can now look at it without feeling stressed,” he said. The fight for this ancient red gum highlights the ongoing struggle to balance urban growth with environmental preservation.