The cycle of life is now evident in Pease Park, as we have recently learned that five Cedar Elms in Kingsbury Commons have reached a point where they need to come down. Each of these trees has experienced loss of major limbs and canopy repair, and while some parts of the trees are still alive, they pose a danger to park visitors and must be removed. They have provided parkgoers with shade and beauty, and birds, squirrels, and bugs with shelter and nourishment. We are sad to see them go.

Pease Park Conservancy engaged arborists to evaluate the trees as they were showing signs of distress from advanced age and years of drought and freezes; and, one tree near the restrooms had recently dropped a large branch (thankfully in the middle of the night when no one was nearby). Tree care specialists have done what they could to extend the lives of these beautiful trees by removing weight from their canopies, and Pease Park Conservancy staff and volunteers have worked hard to keep them hydrated and thriving over the years. But, the arborist and PARD Forestry have now determined that these five trees have reached the point where they need to be removed.

Alicia, PPC’s Horticulture Coordinator and our Park Operations team, in partnership with the City of Austin, work to maintain trees of all life stages throughout the park - young, small trees; medium-sized trees; and large, advanced canopy trees. This is reflective of what is found in any forest and we want to see the same at the urban forest in Pease Park. When large trees come down, Pease Park Conservancy will plant new trees within the park - maybe not in the exact same spot, but in a location appropriate for the selected species. We will work to maintain tree variety, health, and biodiversity throughout the 84 acres. Winter is the best time to plant new trees, so stay tuned for ways to support these planting efforts in the coming months.

The trees to be removed are near the playground, picnic tables, and restroom in Kingsbury Commons. Removal work by PARD Forestry will take place on Monday, October 14, and Tuesday, October 15, resulting in temporary closures of these features on those days. Thank you for your support and understanding.