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Austin Parks and Recreation Department recommends removing beloved tree at Barton Springs Pool

The nearly century-old pecan tree, affectionately known as "Flo," was recently diagnosed with a fungal infection.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is recommending that "Flo" be removed.

Last month, the beloved, decades-old pecan tree located at Barton Springs Pool – affectionately known as "Flo" – was diagnosed with a wood decay fungus called Kretzschmaria deusta, or brittle cinder fungus. The PARD said this disease weakens roots and wood at the base of a tree and has been known to cause whole tree failures in trees that otherwise look healthy. 

Following the diagnosis, the PARD contacted three independent certified arborists to do a follow-up inspection and provide independent professional opinions to help guide decision-making.

Now all of those assessments are complete. On Friday, Sept. 8, the PARD said that after evaluating all the options and the public safety risk, it had decided to remove Flo.

But then department walked that announcement back. On Sept. 11, the PARD said that it had decided to delay a previously announced "Celebration of Life" ceremony for the tree, initially scheduled for Sept. 13, as well as to delay the removal of the tree while the department reviewed "additional considerations."

Then on Sept. 19, the department spoke to the Austin City Council, saying the tree is fragile and could fall over at any time. It said "Flo" needs to be removed because the damage is beyond repair.

"We know that this tree is beloved, and so we have already started a webpage, an opportunity for people to honor Flo, share stories about Flo, help us commemorate the memories and the emotion around Flo," PARD Director Kimberly McNeeley said.

According to the PARD, Flo has been leaning over the pool deck of Barton Springs since at least 1928. Previous measures have been taken over the decades to preserve the tree, including supporting it with a combination of cables and a permanent steel support structure and installing fencing around the critical root zone to reduce soil compaction from foot traffic.

The public can share their remembrances of Flo at treestories@austintexas.gov. 

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