"Flo," a 100-year-old tree at Barton Springs Pool is infected with brittle cinder fungus and may have to be removed. A separate pecan tree planted behind "Flo," which is not leaning over the pool deck, is healthy and not infected. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation Department)
PARD received confirmation of the diagnosis after regular inspection of a tree on Barton Springs Pool, known as “Flo,” from a lab at Texas A&M University.
Brittle cinder fungus has no known effective treatment and feeds on the tree’s live tissue, resulting in a collapse under its own weight. PARD installed a rope on the tree to provide extra support.
"Flo" is infected with brittle cinder fungus, but a separate pecan tree planted behind "Flo" is healthy and not infected. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation Department)
The background
The tree, which is around 100 years old, has been preserved by PARD for decades. “Flo” is supported, in addition to the newly added rope, by cables and a steel structure. Since 1928, the tree has leaned over the deck of the pool.
What’s next
Typically, with a diagnosis of brittle cinder fungus, the tree is removed, according to PARD. Instead, the department is awaiting recommendations from arborists for next steps.
If removal is deemed necessary, there will be opportunities to honor the tree.
