We are in Fort Lauderdale for the TCIA Expo this week, so ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is The New River Rain Tree (Samanea saman), one of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic and hotly debated natural landmarks. Recognized as a “Florida Champion” in 1982 for being the largest of its species in the state, it is also widely believed to be the largest rain tree in the continental United States. It stands roughly 80 feet tall (about six stories high) with a staggering trunk girth of 19.5 feet. •  Its massive, radiant green crown stretches 127.5 to 130 feet in diameter, casting a colossal block of shade. Believed to be over 100 years old, it was originally planted by city pioneers at 424 SW 4th Avenue along the south side of the New River. Because of its historical value, city leaders passed a special ordinance in 1987 requiring commission approval before it could ever be cut down or altered. Which happened in July 2023, developer Asi Cymbal relocated the massive tree about 50 feet closer to the riverfront to make way for a $500 million twin-tower residential and mixed-use project. The city approved the move under the condition that the developer faces a $1 million penalty if the tree dies within five years. While the developer maintains the tree is healthy, local critics and residents have raised concerns over root stress, construction vibrations, and potential damage to low-hanging branches from large yachts navigating the New River.