S’pore Singer Cries Over Felling Of His Favourite Tree, Later Learns It Was The Heavy Rain That Made It Fall

How do you feel when you see a huge and beautiful tree being felled?

For local singer Lewis Loh, it was such an emotional experience he had to post an Instagram Reel about it.

The 28-year-old, who was born in Hong Kong to Singaporean parents, was seen in tears on Instagram as he stood in the rain while workers chopped up a massive tree that had been his personal landmark.

“This is my favourite tree in the whole world. I often go for walks and runs at this park, and I always put this tree as the finishing line because I want to admire her beauty before I head home to shower,” he said.

The 28-year-old shared that his sister first introduced him to the tree years ago, describing it as “a tall giraffe watching over all the smaller, younger trees.”

He did not expect to see the tree felled that day, and was only out that day because his sister had insisted on going for a run despite the drizzle.

“I took for granted that she would still be standing the next time I saw her. I know that these men are just doing their job, and to a fast-moving city like Singapore, this tree was just in the way,” he said in a trembling voice.

The video then panned back to him crying in the rain expressing that he didn’t know who to be angry at, or how to grieve, only that he wanted to honour the tree’s life and the memories tied to it.

His followers seem to be equally moved, with one commenting that she feared for the tree near her block and suggested that Lewis do something to get over his loss.

“Maybe you can do a small ritual for closure where the tree used to be,” read a comment.

At least one netizen offered context and wrote, “They usually move protected trees out of the way. This tree might have other underlying problems we don't know about”.

In an Instagram story, Lewis was also seen visiting the felled tree in the evening showing how it looked now.

He went on to describe all the different plants that relied on the tree.

“So many birds had their nest in the tree, so I hope that they have all found new homes”, he said.

In another story, he spotted a frog resting on a small log belonging to the tree and decided to bring piece of wood home.

“I know this piece is too small to be reclaimed and would likely be thrown away and be incinerated. This log will remind me to be present with everything beautiful in life,” wrote Lewis.

Eventually, Lewis got an answer that he needed and posted an update to his Instagram after a netizen informed him on how the tree fell.

“[The tree] actually fell down on her own at 7:20am due to rainfall and it was truly on nature’s terms. My heart feels better knowing that she was ready to go. With that said, there are many other trees that suffer the same fate but for less noble reasons. I hope we can continue to share love towards all trees wherever we go,” he wrote.

If it offers Lewis any solace, tree cutting is strictly regulated in Singapore.

According to the National Parks Board (NParks), trees of certain sizes and designated areas require permits and approval, even on private property.

Trees in urban areas are also pruned regularly to remove diseased or dying branches, sometimes looking like they have become botak.

When a tree needs to be felled, it is usually it poses a danger to pedestrians or is decaying and diseased.

Photos lewloh/IG, NParks