Mysore Fig Tree Needs Your Support

NEW UPDATE (11-1-2024)

As the owner and caretaker of the Mysore Fig Tree I have spent a lot of time and money taking care of this special tree. With the passing of my mother and no longer doing the Christmas Lights show I now must rely on special donations to continue to provide the help needed to keep the tree healthy. So at this time I am asking for special financial assistance in doing just that. In the past I have borrowed money to provide the care the tree needed and to put on one of the largest Christmas Lights shows in the area but now I am in need of additional funds to not only give the tree some more attention but also to pay back the money borrowed. Read further to see what the tree has recently endured.

You probably already know that the Mysore Fig Tree has been through a lot of hurricanes each doing some damage. Normally after a storm, a good trimming, and some time it recovers. This time it was hit by hurricane Helene, and hurricane Milton in back to back storms. What some people do not know is that it was struck by lightning in between the two hurricanes doing even more damage. There needs to be significant work done to the tree to keep it healthy. It will take a minimum of $3,000 and possibly more if it continues to die back. I have set up a fund raiser to raise money so that the work can be done. Any money raised over what is needed for the trimming will be used to pay off past loans that were needed to trim and take care of the tree. Please help if you can so that the tree will be able to recover.

ORIGINAL INFORMATION

The Florida State Champion Mysore Fig Tree in Estero, Florida needs your help. Recently the Tree was hit by lightning and caused damage to the Tree and the insurance will not cover the full cost of repairs. Costs and improvements to the viewing area have gone up over time. I am not able to work another job as this takes so much time and now my mother needs someone to take care of her more. If you have been by you have probably seen either myself or my mother outside working trying to keep it clean for visitors. I have tried many different ways to raise money and have run into problems at most every turn. I now turn to you, the public for help.

 Please, help us keep this going. You can see from my wish list I have many different needs. Most of these costs are per year just to be able to offer an unusual place to visit. If you would like your donation to go for something specific please let me know, if you want it to go for something not listed let me know how you would like the money used, or say nothing and it will go into the general funds but rest assured all the money I receive will go for taking care of the Tree, spreading the word about the Tree, or will be used in such a way to bring more money back for the Tree. Most people do not realize how much work, time, and money it takes to take care of something this large. All my time is donated I keep no money for any of my work. The light show, jelly sales, and donations are how I am able to function. Parking, tours, and information sheets are all free.

My father passed away in 2012 and I am just trying to keep the place going so all can enjoy. I have posted an interview that my father gave in 1999 that will give you some information about the past. Below you will find this interview.

1999 Interview with Earl Brooks about the Mysore Fig Tree.

More information can be found at MysoreFigTree.com or if you would like to see information about the Christmas Lights shows or see past shows go to OverTheTopChristmasLights.com. If you have questions or want more information feel free to contact me from the link above.

Roots of the Mysore Fig Tree in Estero are above ground as much as 6'.

There is a small parking lot where you can park and walk around the tree, take pictures, or just sit and look. I offer FREE tours of the property which has many unusual varieties of plants and trees. I have assorted homemade jellies, some of which are made from the figs of the tree, that are available for purchase. A few years ago I started doing a synchronized Christmas light show to bring in donations for the upkeep. This has worked well but now I need more lights, more time and more work to bring in more money. Christmas comes in with a big light show and continues through January 13th. 

You can help by making a donation large or small all is welcome, by letting all your friends know about this work, by coming by to see the tree and/or light show in person, or by visiting the websites. Thank you for viewing this campaign and reading this information.