Work to remove the “lover’s oak” at Success Avenue and Lake Morton Drive (which we posted about Monday) will probably begin the second week of September and should take about a week to finish, the Lakeland Parks Department said today.
“It was important we were thoughtful in this process. We are in the business of planting trees, saving trees, not taking them down,” said Parks and Recreation Director Bob Donahay. “We reached out to an outside expert to make sure that we were unbiased in our decision.”
The city asked E. Sciences Inc. of Orlando to evaluate the tree after a falling limb damaged a car traveling on Success Avenue July 21.
“Two city of Lakeland certified arborists and an outside consultant inspected the trees and determined that, while in average-good health, it was impossible to ensure public safety through any other action other than removal,” the city said in a news release issued today.
The oak known for its spreading canopy is actually two trees fused together. E. Sciences said the tissue connecting the two trees has deteriorating and the southern portion of the tree shows signs of decay.
Arborist’s Report:
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Terrible….just keep the tree trimmed. I grew up on that corner at 142 Lake Morton Drive(my paarents bought the home back in the 40s) and I can’t begin to tell you my emotions! Well, I could, but I will refrain from the language that is boiled up inside of me!
It is a safety hazard obviously but it’s a landmark! Couldn’t steps be made to save it as a sculpture! Lover Sawns is a great idea!