Scion of original will replace Helsinki's famous willow tree

Tree-stump was declared dead and will be removed shortly

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The stump of the famous 200-year-old willow tree that grew next to Helsinki's functionalist Lasipalatsi and which was struck down by a freak winter storm in December of last year has been pronounced dead by experts.
      In the next few years, a sapling grown from a scion taken from the original landmark tree will be planted in its place.
      The City of Helsinki Environment Committee will discuss the matter today. The Committee will also annul the protection decree on the old tree, as the tree itself does not exist any longer.
      The old tree, which was known as a crack willow (although the Environment Committee suggests the name was not 100% accurate for this particular type of hybrid), has been protected by law since 1924.
      Last winter's rude blasting of the tree genuinely upset the Helsinki residents, who had grown to love the proud old willow, which many passed on a daily basis on their way to and from the neighbouring bus station. The City of Helsinki Public Works Department has since collected memories related to the beloved landmark, which will be published as a book before Christmas.
     
Many residents have also expressed their wish to see a replacement for the old tree, preferably in the same place, and preferably of a propagated scion taken from the original specimen.
      This is the plan, but the planting of the new sapling will have to be put on hold for a couple of years.
      In Kamppi, close to the tree's habitat, there is a huge construction site, and a pedestrian concourse through the area will be finished in 2006. This, however, is not the correct time to plant the new sapling, say the experts. They believe its growth prospects will be best assured if it is planted in 2009.
      The fallen willow tree's branches have been turned into 500 butter knives at the Helsinki Public Works Department's handicraft workshop.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Freak winter storm brings chaos to Southern Finland (2.1.2004)

Helsingin Sanomat