A Difficult but Necessary Decision: Removing the Civic Center’s Iconic Willow Oak

The Reason Behind the Removal

Our arborist has been tracking the decline of this Willow Oak for several years. The tree was suffering from Inonotus Dryadeus, a type of root rot that is unfortunately common in Statesville’s urban forest. This fungus attacks the tree’s anchor roots, compromising its stability.

Each year, our arborist monitored the presence of the fungus, which typically appears from August through November. In addition to the fungus, significant dieback in the canopy was observed this year, signaling that the tree’s condition had worsened. After thorough evaluation, it was determined that removal was the safest course of action.

A Critical Safety Concern

During the removal process, our arborist confirmed that this was one of the worst cases of root rot encountered. The tree’s structural integrity was severely compromised, posing a potential hazard to visitors, vehicles, and the surrounding area. Leaving it standing any longer would have put the community at risk.

Looking Ahead

The City of Statesville values its trees and is committed to maintaining a healthy urban canopy. While it is always difficult to lose a mature tree, our priority is ensuring public safety while preserving and enhancing our green spaces. We will continue to assess and care for the trees throughout the city, taking proactive steps to protect and sustain our urban forest.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to maintain a safe and beautiful Statesville.