Which Tree?
You might know it as the Kissing Tree or the Look Out Tree, or maybe it’s just “that cool live oak tree with sweeping branches”. No matter what you call it this tree is a true sight to see in Live Oak Meadow.
what’s wrong with it?
Simply put, this tree is adjusting to the changing landscape that surrounds it. We have been measuring it weekly and have found that it is slowly twisting downward, most likely because of the creek erosion behind it. As the ground beneath it changes, the tree's roots shift, and in response, the tree gradually lowers its branch to support itself.
The main problem is that this branch happens to be over a heavily traversed trail. Simultaneously, reports of resulting injuries have increased markedly over the past few months, because the limb getting lower, and folks are accidentally running or walking into it.
Even people who run/ walk near it daily might not realize how much lower the limb is.
what’s being done?
Pease Park Conservancy’s partners at the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) have come out to discuss a plan to prolong the life of the tree and provide a phased re-routing of the trail, and they are working on that as soon as possible. PARD has primary responsibility in the park for trails, the creek, and the tree canopy, all of which are in play here.
In the meantime, safety is our top priority, so Pease Park Conservancy and PARD Forestry have placed cones at the site to alert people to go around and keep people from running into the limb. We are also working on signage to hang on the tree, so people understand what is happening.
Don’t be alarmed by these recent adornments! All of the Conservancy’s partners agree that cutting the limb would be catastrophic for the tree, and it is not an option under consideration. Rest assured Pease Park Conservancy is as interested in having "The Kissing Tree" stay happy and healthy in the park for as long as possible!
How can I help?
The best ways that parkgoers can help are to
protect your head and the tree, and go around the Kissing Tree
leave the cones where they are
avoid sitting and climbing on the tree’s limbs
spread the word about the changing tree
Thanks for your love and support of Pease Park and the trees that call it home.