A large pecan tree on New Braunfels’ historic Main Plaza across from the Comal County courthouse will be cut down on Wednesday, Jan. 24 due to significant decay and a fungal condition that are creating safety hazards for people.
The 50-foot-tall, 150-year-old tree is considered “high-hazard” due to falling branches.
Contractors hired by the city will close the inner lane of traffic around the Main Plaza at 8 a.m. Wednesday to begin the daylong process of removing the tree.
The inner lane will remain closed until contractors finish the project.
A 1,000-gallon Monterrey Oak will be planted once the tree is removed.
Severe drought, coupled with intense freezes over the last few years, have placed trees in the community, especially older trees, under a large amount of strain, which could lead to continued tree-health issues,” the city said in a statement.
“The City of New Braunfels Urban Forester is responsible for the care and maintenance of the City’s tree population and will continue to provide analysis and early detection of trees that may pose a safety hazard to the public,” the city said.
The tree is famous for sporting a yellow ribbon over the years.
More than 20 years ago, residents placed yellow ribbons on several trees on Main Plaza to honor and remember troops serving in conflicts in the Middle East.
The ribbon will be moved to a different tree.
