Description
Some of these trees are amongst the largest examples of this species in the City of Sydney LGA. Their dramatic proportions and scale create a distinctive, cloistered character to this part of the school grounds.
These figs appear to be in generally fair to good health and condition with dense canopies, and little dead wood. They have been pruned to create more open habits and clearances to the buildings and playground. One specimen however (2nd from southern end) has a very large vertical cavity. They typically have a height of 20-22m and spread of 35-30m and a trunk diameter of 1.3-1.8m at 1.0m above ground level. Their canopies extend over the playground, the adjoining footpaths and roadway.
Significance
This row of mature Hill’s Weeping Figs (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) includes substantial individual specimens with massive spreading canopies. These figs have local significance in terms of their aesthetic and social values. The school buildings are scheduled in the City of Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Historical notes
Newtown Primary School was established in 1863 with construction of the Victorian Free Gothic style building c.1875, followed by later additions c.1892 and a War Memorial c.1921. The planting possibly dates from the late Inter-War period (c.1915-1940). Aerial photos of the area indicate some very young row planting in the vicinity of these figs. It is unknown if these trees are the same trees but their size would indicate such a date and be commensurate with other planting in the LGA of this species.
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