The planting of the new poinciana tree at the junction of Pitts Bay and Serpentine Roads turned into a jovial occasion yesterday afternoon.

Works Minister Alex Scott cracked jokes about watering the tree himself and throwing himself in front of trucks to protect it as passers-by yelled from their cars: "You saved the tree! Yes! Thank you!"

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of Serpentine Road, hand-written signs reading "Do not cut this tree down!" were posted on the poinciana tree there, asking the Ministry of Works & Engineering to leave it alone.

"If this tree grows well, we did it," Mr. Scott said at the tree planting. "If it dies, the Cox family contributed."

Brothers Will and Richard Cox donated the tree from their harbourfront property at Pitts Bay, voluntarily calling Mr. Scott to offer their services.

"It's about the beauty of our Island ... We just heard too much about it in the community and thought this was a positive way to solve it," Will Cox told The Royal Gazette.

Jeff Sousa of Sousa's Landscaping said the tree had been one of the most talked about and controversial trees in Bermuda's history, starting from when it was said to be damaged by a container truck.

The truck reportedly caused enough damage to the tree that Works & Engineering felt it necessary to severely prune it in order to prevent branches from falling and posing a danger to passers-by.

When the tree then died, it was painted When the tree died, it was painted an assortment of bright colours by artist Bruce Stewart as "public art".

That tree was finally removed on Tuesday, with the new tree planted and watered yesterday afternoon. "It's a cultivated tree so hopefully it will survive,"said Will Cox.

"Mr. Cox has picked a tree that has been weathered by the salt winds off the harbour - she's sturdy stuff," said Mr. Scott, who expressed his gratitude to the Cox family. "It's not too often my phone rings with someone saying listen, I can help."

Sousa's Landscaping provided all the landscaping services free of charge.

"So many people enjoyed the old poinciana here, we're glad to put it back," said Mr. Sousa.

And Mr. Scott asked the public if they see any Works & Engineering people anywhere near the tree with a chainsaw, to call him immediately.