In Almaty's Main Botanical Garden, a 72-year-old Babylonian willow, affectionately called "Eiva" by visitors, was cut down on August 31. The decision was made after a thorough inspection revealed serious damage, reports infohub.kz.
Specialists found a deep hollow at the base of the trunk, bark detachment, damage caused by stem pests, and rotting of the core. The detailed examination was prompted by the breakage of a large branch over 10 meters long, which occurred on June 16 during strong winds and a thunderstorm. The falling branch damaged fences and part of the pedestrian curb, but no visitors were injured.
Garden representatives noted: "For old trees, the external appearance does not always reflect their true internal condition. Considering that this was not just an old specimen but a collection tree with its own scientific history and cultural value for several generations of Almaty residents, the question of its fate required a particularly balanced decision."
The willow had been growing in the Botanical Garden since 1954, having been obtained as cuttings from Karaganda. For over seven decades, the tree was part of the scientific collection of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction and became one of the garden's recognizable landmarks.
A successor tree is already growing next to the old willow. The young willow was planted in 2022 and is currently in an active growth phase. The Botanical Garden hopes that "the successor willow will continue the story of its predecessor and eventually become the new symbol of the Main Botanical Garden."