Known as “Flo,” the tree was diagnosed with brittle cinder fungus Aug. 15, a fungal infection with no known treatment that feeds on the tree’s live tissue. The infection can lead to the collapse of the tree, according to PARD.
Four different arborists recommended the city remove the tree due safety concerns and a lack of ability to control the infection, according to a news release from the department.
“Flo” was initially scheduled to be removed Sept. 14 following a ceremony to honor its memory Sept. 13. The tree’s removal was delayed as community members expressed concerns about removing it, as it has been part of the public pool for decades, according to a PARD spokesperson.
Austinites are encouraged to send stories about “Flo” to [email protected]. The tree will be honored in a ceremony at Barton Springs Pool on Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
“Flo” is scheduled to be removed Oct. 5 while the pool is closed. The decision to remove the tree was due to public safety, according to a news release from PARD.
For more information, visit www.austintexas.gov/page/barton-springs-pool-tree-updates.
