Removal of Ficus trees from Neptune’s Courtyard

The Ministry for the Environment refers to the removal of the Ficus trees from Neptune’s Courtyard, at the President’s Palace, Valletta.

Various discussions on the removal of these Ficus trees have been taking place since early 1998. It was noted that these Ficus trees in this courtyard were doing extensive damage to the Palace. One of the Ficus trees in particular, attained a considerable angle in its alignment and this would cause structural damage to the central pilasters. The roots of these trees were uplifting most areas of the present paving.

Taking these aspects into consideration both the Agriculture Department and the Planning Authority were referred to for permission to intervene.

The report of the Agriculture Department stated ‘…these large Ficus trees should have been planted at least 11 metres away from buildings…’. The report further states ‘It is not believed that normal corrective root pruning procedures can remedy the situation…’ As a conclusion the report stated that ‘… it would be appropriate if these Ficus trees, which should not have been planted in this location, be transplanted to a more suitable site and replaced with more suitable alternative’.

In a similar report the Planning Authority included also, a condition report of the extensive damage done by these trees. They recommended the removal of the Ficus trees and gave guidelines for the proposed removal procedure. ‘All the Ficus trees should be cut back to a pre-determined height to ensure regeneration of new growth… Transplantation of trees should be carried out immediately after lifting…’. The Planning Authority also suggested that these trees be replaced with a Kentia Fosteriana.

The Ministry for the Environment is observing these recommendations and in view of the proposed paving upgrading envisaged in Neptune’s Courtyard, the removal of these trees is definitely inevitable.