In years to come Napier's Clive Square may not be a Morton Bay fig tree-free zone despite the century old landmark of that variety being felled after sustaining too much damage in high winds last week.
Napier City Council Parks and Reserves manager Tony Billing said while a decision had yet to be made, there was a high likelihood a Morton Bay fig would return to the spot which was yesterday the domain of chainsaws and mulchers as specialist contractors removed the damaged giant.
Mr Billing said that, like many, he was sad to see the tree go.
"But we had no option," he said.
About 40 per cent of the tree broke and split in high winds last Friday night, and effectively made the rest of the tree unstable and unpredictable.