Tree-rific news as Geraldton CBD leaning landmark saved after being damaged in cyclone Seroja.

The City of Greater Geraldton has revealed plans to save the well-known CBD leaning tree, damaged during cyclone Seroja.

The good news came after residents took to social media to express their disbelief the tree’s fate possibly involved a chainsaw.

Just hours after the council put a fence around the tree, hundreds took to social media. Although a handful of people were apathetic, most expressed sadness and anger the tree might be on the chopping block.

Over the weekend, the City of Greater Geraldton engaged a local tree lopping company, an arborist and a structural engineer to save it.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said: “The structural engineer is currently producing a concept to install supports for the tree, in order to keep it secure and in place, and to ensure it does not impact pedestrians or vehicles.

“We hope these measures can be installed as soon as possible. We understand there has been a lot of community support for this tree and it is always our preference to maintain and keep healthy trees as we know they add to the wonderful liveability of our City.”

Friends of Geraldton Gardens chair Irene Ghannage said it was a “fabulous outcome for Geraldton”.

“FroGG’s is pleased to hear it ... It’s great to see the community banding together to protect an icon,” she said.

She hopes the renewed interest in the tree will lead to a greater appreciation for the landmark, suggesting a plaque to commemorate the tree.

“Because of the response from the community, it could be something,” she said.