The Trees at Barton Springs: An Independent Assessment
Gardner did not agree with all the recommendations, but he praised Austin’s Urban Forestry Program Manager, Walter Passmore, for performing the first comprehensive inspection in one of the region’s most beloved areas. Gardner then delivered the good news/bad news: “My list says 4-6 trees pretty soon, right away, yesterday, and 5 or 6 others that may have to be taken down once we’ve done some more investigating.
As the group moved from tree to tree, it became clear that there are many structures, sidewalks and retaining walls that have built right next to trees over the years. A black ash on the list of 28, called “a fine specimen” by Gardner, rises out of the Zilker theater stage floor. He thought the tree could be saved. Gardner pointed out the damaged pecan tree (#7) growing in the middle of the playground. Its shade makes summer bearable. Both the Davey Resource Group (DRG) report and Passmore recommended removal due to past damage and poor soil conditions (added clay) that restricted root development. Gardner loves the tree, acknowledged the real safety concerns and wants to perform some additional soundings. It is on his tentative list. For now, the play ground is roped off.
Tree experts can disagree, even with themselves. A great old pecan tree on the pool’s south side (#50) has root decay. In his report, Gardner concurred and recommended removal. The tree’s shade attracts a large crowd in the summer. After some additional looks, he told the group Wednesday that he was less certain and wanted to perform additional root crown excavation. Prompted by a question about costs, Gardner said he preferred to focus on the trees and not the politics. “Let’s save them, let’s work on them, let’s take better care of them,” he extolled. In the end, hard calls between saving or removing and replanting will have to be made.
Save Our Springs is holding a press conference Saturday, May 16, at 9:45 a.m. to show their support for a careful review. The press conference will be held just outside the entrance to the pool.
One word of caution: not every tree encircled with pink tape may be slated for removal. During the walk, someone noticed that tree #14, a pecan next to the main building, had a pink ribbon. It is not on the list. The DRG report is confusing, has errors, and is being revised.
