A deadly fire charred Lahaina's historic banyan tree. A year later, it's been nursed back to life
When a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town's Front Street. But the sprawling tree survived the blaze, and thanks to the efforts of arborists and dedicated volunteers, parts of it are growing back -- and even thriving.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/a-deadly-fire-charred-lahainas-historic-banyan-tree-a-year-later-its-been-nursed-back-to-life
The 151-year-old Banyan Tree in Lahaina, Maui, survived a deadly wildfire in August, with efforts underway to restore it; despite some parts dying, others are growing back healthy. Arborists removed dead branches to focus energy on live ones, with sensors tracking sap flow. Plans include installing tubes with compost for aerial roots and irrigation for stability. The fire also destroyed around 25,000 trees in Lahaina, prompting restoration efforts for culturally significant trees like the breadfruit tree. Treecovery, a non-profit, is growing trees across Maui for future planting.