A smattering of litter and a Coles trolley<\/a> abandoned around its base are indicators of its wretched, forgotten existence.<\/p>\n This month, tree enthusiasts expressed \u201cdisgust\u201d at the state of the tree, with one person calling its positioning in the car park \u201cdisrespectful\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWho the hell approved this monstrous decision?\u201d another added.<\/p>\n Attempts to kill ancient jarrah tree thwarted<\/p>\n The tree’s fate was decided over 40 years ago, when Armadale Shopping City was built around it.<\/p>\n Contrary to the estimate on the local council’s sign, the state government estimates the tree is between 400 and 800 years old.<\/p>\n It is likely the oldest of its species in the city, because most other large examples were destroyed by settlers, loggers and farmers in the 19th century. Today it\u2019s referred to simply as the \u201cOld Jarrah Tree\u201d.<\/p>\n A sign at the base of the Old Jarrah Tree indicates it could be over 1,500 years old. Source: Phil Davey<\/p>\n It once stood in the playground of a local school, and developers have repeatedly applied to bulldoze it.<\/p>\n The first proposal was in the 1980s, when Armadale Shopping City was being planned, and the second attempt was in the late 1990s, when a $40 million extension was announced.<\/p>\n Following a community backlash, the state government placed a conservation order on the tree in 1997<\/a>.<\/p>\n Today, Armadale Shopping City is a bustling hub, and many locals rush by the tree to shop at Coles, Aldi, Kmart, or JB HiFi without giving it a second thought.<\/p>\n An old metal fence surrounds the tree as part of a crude attempt to protect it from the vandals.<\/p>\n Its trunk was illegally ringbarked in 1997<\/a>, causing significant damage, and contributing to its dilapidated appearance.<\/p>\n Health of ancient tree unclear<\/p>\n This week, the Department of Planning confirmed the tree is still listed on the State Register of Heritage Places<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cListing on the State Register recognises a place\u2019s cultural heritage significance and provides statutory protection under the Heritage Act,\u201d a spokesperson said in an email.<\/p>\n But it said the responsibility for ongoing maintenance rests with the landowner.<\/p>\n Much of the Old Jarrah Tree is dead, and it stands at half its original height due to lopping.<\/p>\n Its health remains unclear, as Armadale Shopping City did not have anyone available to comment, and its parent company, the privately-owned DiMauro Group, did not respond to an email.<\/p>\n Council ‘understands’ importance of Old Jarrah Tree<\/p>\n The local council told Yahoo News it was open to providing technical advice to the landowner to \u201csupport the continued protection\u201d of what it said was a \u201csignificant tree\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe City of Armadale\u2026 understands the community interest in its long-term protection,\u201d it told Yahoo News.<\/p>\n The mayor, Ruth Butterfield, said the tree continues to hold a \u201cspecial place\u201d in the region\u2019s shared history, and said measures were in place to protect it for future generations.<\/p>\n \u201cFor generations of local residents, including many who attended the former Armadale Primary School at this location, this tree has been a familiar and valued part of the town centre landscape,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe tree stood within the school grounds for many decades and formed part of the everyday playground experience for generations of local children, so it holds fond memories for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/7e8ea6d0-11ef-11f1-bfde-fdc4f4060281.jpeg\"\/)
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