Heritage tree in Woodleigh, over 60 years old, cut down due to safety concerns with its decayed trunk

A majestic decades-old tree in Woodleigh has been cut down for safety reasons.

The demise of the iconic tree along Upper Serangoon Road opposite the new Bidadari housing estate was documented in an Oct. 18 Nature Society Singapore Facebook post.

The post bade farewell to the tree and explained the reason why it had to be cut down: A photo showed the tree trunk had become hollow due to decay.

A photo of the tree taken in 2011 showed it was about 10 to 12 storeys tall back then.

One commenter remarked that "this was once a heritage Angsana tree".

As of Jun. 1, 2025, there are currently 255 heritage trees in the Heritage Tree Register, according to the National Parks Board (NParks).

Safety hazard

In response to Mothership's queries, NParks' group director for streetscape Oh Cheow Sheng said there was extensive decay and structural defects within the heritage Angsana tree (Pterocarpus indicus) located at Upper Serangoon Road.

"The heritage tree, which was over 60 years old, had been regularly inspected every six months," he said.

The most recent inspection conducted in September 2025 revealed that the decay had spread significantly, he added.

This compromised the tree's structural integrity.

In addition, the tree's location beside a busy road and footpath presented a potential risk to public safety.

In the interest of public safety, NParks removed the tree on Oct. 18.

Replacement tree

Oh said NParks plans to work with the relevant agencies to realign the cycling path that currently circles the tree and reinstate the roadside green verge.

"A replacement Angsana tree is planned to be planted at the same location thereafter," he added.

Top photos via Swen Einhaus/Nature Society Singapore