Guildford: new tree planted to replace landmark fig

For decades an impressive Moreton Bay Fig formed an entry statement at the west end of Guildford on James Street.

Around three years ago it had to be removed due to disease.

Last week a new tree was planted in its place by Guildford resident Professor David Blair, who was at the forefront of the recent momentous discovery of gravitational waves.

The planting coincided with the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s prediction of gravitational waves, described as ripples in the fabric of space-time.

Prof Blair, who was involved in tree plantings in Guildford in the 1990s, said planting a tree was a good way to commemorate the occasion.

“Gravitational waves allow us to listen to the sounds of the universe, which is a bit like listening to the sound of the wind in the trees,” he said.

The new tree was donated by Guildford Association president Barbara Dundas, who began growing it from seed six years ago.

The City of Swan had agreed to replace the diseased tree but a replacement could not be sourced in WA and importing from interstate was not possible due to quarantine regulations.

Mrs Dundas said the first record of Moreton Bay Figs being recommended for planting in Guildford was in 1896.