Balmoral’s Fig Trees Under Attack

Balmoral's beloved Fig Trees are falling victim In Sydney's controversial “tree wars”

The towering Port Jackson figs lining Balmoral Beach are among Mosman’s most recognisable landmarks, providing shade for beachgoers, habitat for wildlife, and a green backdrop to one of Sydney Harbour’s most photographed stretches of foreshore. But over the past two years, the Balmoral's Iconic fig trees have repeatedly become targets in what experts and councils increasingly describe as Sydney’s ongoing “tree wars”.

The most serious incident occurred in February 2024, when nine mature and semi-mature fig trees along The Esplanade were found with holes drilled into their trunks and roots. The Mosman Council feared the holes had been used to inject deadly herbicide into the trees. A resident reportedly spotted a person behaving suspiciously near the trees late at night, prompting council workers to inspect the site the following morning.

Council contractors immediately began emergency treatment works, flushing out the drill holes and applying soil treatments in an attempt to save the figs. Former Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan described the attack as “absolutely egregious behaviour”, deploring that locals will surely be “absolutely aghast” at the news. After countless years of providing a backdrop to Sydneysiders’ daily lives, Cr Corrigan begs the question, “Can you imagine Balmoral without those figs?”

Thankfully, the trees appeared to have survived the poisoning attempt. However, despite their resilience, the attacks did not stop there.

In late 2025, two more Port Jackson figs at Balmoral Reserve were illegally pruned in another suspected act of vandalism. Mosman Council erected large warning banners at the site and sent letters to nearby residents seeking information, while also encouraging locals to provide CCTV or dashcam footage that could help identify those responsible.

The repeated incidents have reignited debate about why established trees in wealthy harbourside suburbs continue to be targeted.

Across Sydney, mature trees have increasingly been poisoned, chainsawed or illegally removed in areas where they obstruct water views. Similar cases have occurred in Longueville, Castle Cove, Woolwich, and other waterfront suburbs, where councils believe some vandals are motivated by the prospect of improving harbour vistas and therefore increasing property values.

Environmental advocates say the damage goes far beyond aesthetics.

Large established figs can take decades — sometimes more than a century — to reach maturity. Once damaged or destroyed, they cannot simply be replaced overnight. Mature canopies help cool surrounding streets and public spaces, provide shelter and nesting areas for birds and wildlife, reduce erosion and improve air quality. Along busy foreshore areas like Balmoral, they also provide vital shade during increasingly intense summer heatwaves.

Arborists warn that poisoning can have lingering impacts, even when trees initially survive. Chemicals introduced through drilled holes can weaken root systems, make trees more vulnerable to disease and instability, and create long-term structural problems that may not become visible for years.

The emotional impact on communities can also be significant. Balmoral’s figs are deeply tied to the identity of the beach itself. For generations of locals, they have framed family picnics, morning swims, and waterfront walks. Their loss would dramatically alter the look and feel of the reserve.

Councils across Sydney have begun taking increasingly public approaches to discouraging vandalism. Some have installed oversized banners or “shame signs” where trees were destroyed, while others have placed shipping containers in front of newly created harbour views to ensure vandals do not benefit from the damage.

Despite growing public outrage, prosecutions remain rare due to difficulty identifying offenders. With most attacks suspected to take place at night, occurring in natural beachside areas with minimal CCTV surveillance, police are struggling to pin down the culprits behind this crime on our local wildlife.

Councils, environmental groups, and locals alike are now pushing for stronger penalties, arguing that current fines are insignificant compared to the potential increase in property values created by unobstructed views.

Currently, the maximum penalty is an on-the-spot fine of $3,000 for individuals or $9,000 for businesses, though serious offences prosecuted in court can warrant fines up to $1 million. While these fines are hefty, they barely make a dent in the potential financial gain of the crime, as improved beach views are capable of adding millions to a property’s value. Since facing backlash from the community, the government has proposed doubling on-the-spot fines, however many still say this is not harsh enough.

Mosman Council is continuing to investigate the Balmoral incidents and has urged residents to report suspicious activity around public trees or reserves.

Locals are urged to retain CCTV or dashcam footage if they witness suspicious activity near Balmoral Reserve or The Esplanade. Residents can also contact Mosman Council directly via the details provided below, or report any information regarding the vandalism to NSW Police.