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Lakeland’s Lovers’ Oak at the corner of Lake Morton Drive and Success Avenue will get a “safety trim” this Thursday and Friday, Jan. 15-16, according to the city of Lakeland.
The city said the trim is necessary to reduce safety concerns. They will remove large limbs that hang over a nearby residence and several that currently extend over Success Avenue to balance the weight. City officials said the limbs over the street have scars on the underside of the branches, evidence that they hang too low to allow large vehicles to pass safely underneath.
Despite needing a trim, city officials said the tree is in good condition. This trimming is preventative and will help support long-term preservation. Traffic in the area may be affected, and the city is asking residents and drivers to exercise caution.
The Lovers’ Oak — which is actually three trees that grew together — was scheduled to be removed in August 2017 after a limb fell on a passing car. But neighbors spoke up and local preservationist Gregory Fancelli offered to pay for pruning to save the tree.
Shortly thereafter, the tree withstood Hurricane Irma’s 85-mph winds. Experts have estimated that it is older than the city of Lakeland itself — more than 150 or possibly even 200 years old. It was last inspected in May 2025.
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