Beloved Hackberry Tree Removed from Hoover’s Star Lake
Hoover, Alabama — A long-standing landmark at Star Lake, a beloved hackberry tree, was removed on Thursday by ACE Tree Service. This decision came just five days before a planned removal by the city due to safety concerns.
Tree’s Condition Prompts Immediate Action
The hackberry tree had been a part of the Hoover landscape for generations. For the last 20 years, it had been supported by a complex cabling system that helped stabilize its limbs and maintain its living crown. However, a recent evaluation by the city’s Public Works Department revealed troubling news: the trunk had developed a significant crack that posed a serious safety threat to the public.
Colin Conner, Hoover’s Horticulture and Urban Forestry Manager, explained the situation: “The bottom line is the city felt the tree jeopardized the public’s safety. As a result, we were arranging for the removal of the tree on Tuesday, Oct. 29.” This timeline was carefully considered, allowing the city to inform residents and organize a Celebration of Life ceremony honoring the tree’s history.
Miscommunication Leads to Early Removal
While city officials were in the midst of planning the ceremony to inform the community of the tree’s removal, they received unexpected news that the tree service had already begun the removal process. “We directed the tree service to delay removal to allow time for planning the ceremony and to inform the community of those plans,” Conner noted. Yet, this communication break led to the early removal, leaving the city and residents feeling a mix of sadness and surprise.
Community Feelings on the Tree’s Departure
Local residents expressed their sentiments upon hearing the news. Many had a strong emotional attachment to the tree, having shared memories of playtime in its shade, community picnics, and quiet reflections by the lakeside. The loss of such a landmark is palpable, and many in the community are eager to understand more about the reasons behind the quick decision.
Plans for Replacement and Ceremonial Planting
Despite the removal of the hackberry tree, the city of Hoover is already looking forward to the future. Plans are underway to plant new trees in the area where the hackberry once stood, aiming to eventually provide similar shade and benefits to residents. Conner assured the community, saying, “The city expresses our apologies about this situation. We understand and share the emotional attachment to trees throughout our city.”
Moreover, a ceremonial tree planting will take place at the site, coinciding with one of the phases of next year’s annual Arbor Day celebration. This gesture is intended not only to honor the hackberry tree but also to reaffirm the city’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the community’s green spaces.
Conclusion
As Hoover navigates this bittersweet transition, the community reflects on the hackberry tree that stood as a symbol of resilience and beauty for generations. The awareness surrounding urban forestry and safety will surely draw more attention as the city seeks to foster a greener future.
