Old oak tree at risk due to gas station development Harris County wants to save tree in Spring.[/caption]

The life of the supercentanarian tree at TC Jester Boulevard and Louetta Road could be saved as a result of a “handshake deal.”


The tree is falls in the path of the design of the driveway to a Circle K gas station slated to be built at the intersection.


“All parties have agreed that saving this tree is the right thing to do and a priority,” said Mark Seegers, communications director for Harris County, Precinct 4.


An agreement has been reached, but it is not in writing yet.


“The reason why the tree was destined for destruction was because it lined up directly across from the median opening,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said. “By moving the median opening, we were able to convince them it was the right thing to do to save the tree.”


The tree is estimated to be anywhere from 130 to 150 years old, he said.


Cagle said an arborist is scheduled to determine the health of the tree.


“There’s always a chance that you’d inadvertently weaken or injure the tree,” Cagle said. “We just want to make sure it stands the best chance of not being injured and hurt in any way.”


He said the tree is important to the community.


“It goes into the saving of memories and history of the region,” he said.