Tawa’s famous Bucket Tree has had its annual specialist prune, just months after being named New Zealand Tree of the Year 2026.
Treescape New Zealand recently completed the yearly work needed to maintain the historic macrocarpa’s distinctive upside-down bucket shape.
The tree dates back to the 1850s and has been carefully shaped into its unusual form since around 1879.
Treescape carries out the specialist prune each year to maintain the shape and condition of the living landmark.
The latest work follows a big year for the Tawa tree.
In July, the Bucket Tree was named New Zealand Tree of the Year 2026 after receiving strong public support during the national competition run by the NZ Notable Trees Trust.
The tree, also known as the Earp Macrocarpa, was originally planted on Boscobel Farm and was named after the property’s original owner, William Earp.
Its distinctive shape has now been maintained through regular pruning for nearly 150 years.
Treescape said it was proud to continue playing a part in caring for one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive trees.
