Turning over a new leaf, Figuratively speaking

Mosquitoes aren’t the only insects that have loved this year’s La Niña weather pattern.

Belmore Basin’s popular Fig Trees have been losing their foliage due to a severe infestation of Fig Psyllid (pronounced sillids), a common pest.

In normal conditions, the pest would die off in hot weather but the amount of wet weather we’ve experienced since the start of the year has seen the pest thrive.

“Over the past few months, we’ve been monitoring the trees and their condition in this precinct closely,’’ said Paul Tracey, Wollongong City Council’s Manager Open Space + Environmental Services said.

“We have carried out tests on the trees and sought the advice of an independent fig expert who confirmed the die back was caused by a severe infestation of the pest.”

Ordinarily, large fig trees would have enough resilience to bounce back from an infestation. However, in response to the severity of the infestation and the ongoing weather conditions, the trees have been injected with an insecticide. This will kill off the psyllid and support the seven affected trees in Belmore Basin and Lang Park to grow new leaves.

While the trees recover, we’re inviting community members to send the Fig Trees a message of support!

“We know our community loves these Fig Trees and some people may have been a bit concerned about their health. Normally the trees bounce back quite quickly and so we’re hopeful that we will see a big difference in the number of green leaves over the coming months,’’ Mr Tracey said.

While they rest and recover, you’re very welcome to share any get-well messages, thoughts or words of encouragement to the trees by visiting Council’s website. We’ll be sure to pass on your message directly to the trees.

Share your well wishes, thoughts and messages by visiting our Fig First Aid webpage.

Your kind words to the Belmore Basin Fig Trees

”Are the beautiful trees getting better?” –  Shirley. (We hope so!)

“Wishing you Figs a quick recovery 🌳🚑 ! – Thomas.

“Dear Fig Trees, you are beautiful even with a bug infestation. You do you! Love Jess.” -  Jess