Centuries-old pecan tree to be cut down, but Georgia town wants to honor the landmark
A pecan tree older than the town where it stands will soon be cut down due to safety concerns, according to officials in the Georgia town.
The massive pecan tree in Mulberry Park is estimated to be over 300 years old, officials with the Town of Breselton said in a Facebook post. It towers over the park and has served as a landmark in the community, but officials recently got unfortunate news.
“The tree’s health has been declining over the past decade, and we are saddened to announce that it has died,” Town Manager Jennifer Scott said. “It has become a beloved landmark for Braselton residents.”
Braselton shared the news with its community online after consulting an arborist, who informed officials that the tree is considered a safety hazard.
The town expects the tree to be removed the week of Feb. 14, but its memory won’t be forgotten.
The Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority plans to plant a new pecan tree to fill the space during a ceremony on Arbor Day, April 29, Scott announced on the town’s Facebook.
The tree was at one time the largest pecan tree in the state, the town says.
“Our arborist reminds me (trees) are living organisms and we have to enjoy them while we have them, because they won’t last forever,” Scott told the Gainesville Times.
Residents shared their thoughts and appreciation for the tree.
“What a beautiful tree. So glad it was taken care of and a new one will be planted in this place,” one resident wrote.
“This is sad news. This tree welcomed us home every day when we built our first house,” another commented.
The Braselton Community Alliance shared the news on Facebook and encouraged residents to come out and see the tree if they hadn’t already before it is removed.
It’s possible for pecan trees to live up to 300 years under the right conditions and care. Because of its estimated age of 300, the Mulberry Park pecan tree might be as old, or older, than the state of Georgia, which was established in 1732.
Georgia is the nation’s largest supplier of pecans, according to the University of Georgia. It makes up about a third of all pecan production in the U.S., and an average harvest in the state produces enough to make 176 million pecan pies.
