Prized 750-ton rain tree moved to new home—critics fear it won’t survive.

A magnificent rain tree has braved a hundred years of harsh weather conditions, overcoming floods, storms, and hurricanes. However, concerns have arisen about the tree’s survival after its recent move of 50 feet to make way for new high-rise apartment towers near the New River.

Over a year ago, the massive 1.5 million pound tree was uplifted, roots and all, as construction crews prepared for the $500 million project.

The tree was relocated closer to the water but still awaited its final destination.

Stationed on a raised plateau 6 feet above ground for almost a year, the tree waited for the construction of a new seawall.

According to developer Asi Cymbal, the seawall had to be replaced to provide adequate support for the tree. Work on the seawall began a few months ago and is now complete.

Last week, the rain tree was finally moved from its temporary location to its permanent home, situated approximately 15 feet from the water’s edge. Once the new towers are erected, they will offer stunning views of the rain tree from their 30-story heights.

“The tree was relocated closer to the river on July 21 and is in excellent health,” said Cymbal. “Our rain tree has been preserved and relocated to her final home on the future Riverwalk, along the waterfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale. We are pleased to report that her preservation has been a success. Our rain tree has never been in better shape.”

However, critics are skeptical about the tree’s survival in its new surroundings.

Donna Meents, a resident with a view of the rain tree from her condo, is closely monitoring the situation. She has concerns about the tree’s branches extending over the water.

“Now that the rain tree is in place, it is even more vulnerable,” she told The South Florida Sun Sentinel. “The first time a large yacht comes down the New River for repairs or remodeling, it is likely to damage the tree’s branches.”

This is no ordinary tree.

In 1982, the state Division of Forestry designated it as a “Florida Champion,” recognizing it as the largest of its kind in the state. Standing at 80 feet tall, this rain tree is likely the largest of its species in the continental United States. Its lush green canopy provides shade over an area spanning 130 feet.

To protect this prized tree, city leaders granted it special protection in 1987, requiring commission approval for any relocations or removals.

Cymbal obtained permission to move the tree by agreeing to pay the city $1 million if it dies within five years of the relocation.

Derrel Thompson, a devoted admirer of the tree, believes Cymbal may end up paying the $1 million.

“Right now, the tree is about 100 yards from my house,” Thompson said. “It used to be 25 yards away. I know this tree very well—I know when it’s expected to bloom, how big its branches are supposed to be. I’ve lived beneath this tree for over 10 years.”

Thompson has been keeping a vigilant eye on the tree and is not pleased with what he observes.

“The tree has changed, and it won’t recover. Although it is still alive, it is not thriving and will never bounce back from this move. Cutting the tree from its roots resulted in the loss of too many roots for it to recover,” he remarked.

Kimberly Christie, a resident of the neighboring Esplanade condo with a ninth-floor view, witnessed the tree’s recent relocation firsthand and even recorded a video.

“They started at 8 a.m. and finished by noon,” she recalled. “This is its final resting place. Instead of digging a hole to plant the tree, they are building up the soil around it.”

Unlike some of her neighbors, Christie remains optimistic about the tree’s prospects in its new location by the river.

“Before the move, the tree was looking rather sparse. But now, thanks to the rain, it has perked up and is looking much healthier,” she remarked.

Ted Inserra, a Fort Lauderdale activist, has been checking on the tree almost daily during his commute to work.

“I saw them moving the tree last week, so I came to see how it turned out,” he said. “It is now in its new home, and they are adding soil to raise the ground level to accommodate the tree.”

When asked whether he believes the tree will adapt to its new surroundings, Inserra let out a deep sigh.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Considering all the construction happening around the tree, they will need to drill the pilings for the foundation. The tree must withstand the vibrations in the soil, and we are uncertain if its root system can handle that.”

Inserra plans to continue monitoring the tree, and he may not be the only one.

©2023 South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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