It's goodbye to popular 'Punggol Lone Tree'

Parts of the tree, a favourite backdrop for photo shoots, have been falling off without warning, raising safety concerns.
Parts of the tree, a favourite backdrop for photo shoots, have been falling off without warning, raising safety concerns. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/SINGAPOREHDB

SINGAPORE - A tree in Punggol that is dear to many a photographer and couple will soon be removed.

On Wednesday (Dec 9), the Housing Board said in a Facebook post that it will remove the tree next Wednesday, citing public safety concerns as parts of the tree have been falling off without warning.

The HDB said arborists had recently checked the tree, which is on a small hill along a waterway, and certified that it was dead.

"Although we recognise that this is the popular Punggol #instagram tree, we would advise park visitors to stay away from it," it added.

The tree, which belongs to the fast-growing Albizia species originating from eastern Indonesia, was struck by lightning in July and lost half its branches.

Dubbed the "Punggol Lone Tree", it is popular with photographers and couples for the unique backdrop it provides. More than 1,400 photos of the tree have been tagged #instagramtree on the social media platform.

Despite the tree's withered state, people have still been making trips to see it.

Accounts manager Christy Goh said the tree holds fond memories for her. "I had my wedding photos shot there last year, and it's such a shame that it will be gone so soon," said the 32-year-old.

Lee Min Kok

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 11, 2015, with the headline It's goodbye to popular 'Punggol Lone Tree'. Subscribe