Large Oak Tree Near Library Entrance to be Removed on Monday

The oak exhibits multiple signs of structural problems that are said to reduce the stability of the tree.

The tree is near the library's south entrance Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - City of Salem parks crews will be removing a large Oregon White Oak located west of the south entrance to the Salem Public Library on Monday.

They say problems prevent any remedial measures that would extend the usable life of this tree.

They say the only option is to remove the tree for public safety.

In April, parks staff noticed a major vertical split between the two sections of the crown.

The crown is unevenly divided into two portions with the greatest weight extending to the east over the walk between the parking deck and the library.

The lesser portion is wholly over the lawn and shrub bed.

For public safety, caution tape and barriers were installed to keep people from walking under the crown of the tree.

In attempt to save the tree, the city requested bids from three qualified tree service companies to extend the usable life of the tree by cabling.

However, all three companies indicated reluctance to undertake the task in light of two problems that could compromise the success of their work:

The first problem is that the split has divided the crown unevenly.

Cabling requires that the two portions be balanced. To achieve this balance would require that the portion over the walk be severely pruned leaving the tree unsightly and would cause the tree to die within five years.

The second problem they noted was the possible presence of root decay.

Staff conducted a root crown examine and found that there is evidence of a root decay fungus (Armillaria mellea).

The fungus is highly destructive and can lead to the tree falling over at the base without any above ground symptoms.

Even without the crown split, the presence of root decay is cause enough to remove the tree.