Description
The tree canopies are interlocked to form a contiguous, lineal corridor and tunnel effect over the roadway and adjoining residences. The natural gradient from ridgeline (upper road portion) to lower western slope emphasises the unfolding dramatic landscape created by these large figs.
In addition, the central median islands have been planted with London Planes (Platanus x acerifolia). This relatively recent overlay may potentially create problems with competition and overcrowding, leading to loss of overall visual amenity and aesthetic values. The London Planes are therefore considered to be intrusive elements and further investigation is recommended to resolve these management issues.
Significance
This group of Ficus microcarpa var. hilli has local significance in terms of visual, aesthetic and social values. It is an outstanding single species road-side planting and forms one of the more memorable avenues in the City of Sydney LGA. There are relatively few remaining examples of the mature, single species avenue within the City of Sydney LGA that are so intact.
Historical notes
The planting possibly dates from the Post War period (1940’s to 1960’s). Ficus microcarpa var. hilli were a popular species during the 1940’s and 1950’s and where used extensively in public and civic landscapes, the most notable of which is the Hills Fig avenue in the central spine of Hyde Park, Sydney. (Hardyman, P 1988, A history of Sydney’s culturally significant tree species, unpublished thesis UNSW). The 1943 aerial photo of the area shows no tree planting in Arcadia Road. The nearby Avenue Road has well established Brush Box specimens, and was one of the few streets in Glebe planted at that time.
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