TUMWATER, Wash. — The Davis Meeker Garry Oak Tree, a 400-year-old oak tree on Tumwater’s historical registry, is about to be history.
Citing safety concerns, Mayor Debbie Sullivan authorized the removal of the tree this week.
After a 10-foot-long branch broke off the tree, falling 50 feet last May, Sullivan said the city hired a “team” of arborists to look into the tree’s health.
Sullivan said the tree’s removal was recommended because it is a risk to the public.
The tree is near a parking lot at the Olympia Airport and hangs over Old Highway 99, which sees 20,000 cars pass beneath it every day, according to Sullivan.
She said removal was the only option.
”I would be putting public safety at risk,” said Sullivan, “I’m not willing to do that.”
Karen Johnson, curator of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, was sad to hear the tree will be removed.
She said the tree was a marker along the Cowlitz Trail, the northern extension of the Oregon Trail
“It’s one of the last living remnants of that Cowlitz Trail,” said Johnson.
She drives by the tree on her daily commute and is not looking forward to seeing that void.
”Enjoy it while it’s here, appreciate it,” said Johnson, “It takes a long time for something like this to grow.”
Since making her decision Tuesday, Sullivan said she has had calls from residents who support her decision, but she knows many will miss the tree.
”That is what makes this decision the most excruciatingly difficult decision,” said Sullivan.