FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) – Stacey Howell is always on the lookout for the next painting motif, and this time she didn’t have to look far.
“People bring their children here to take pictures for Easter and Christmas,” Howell said. Across the street from their home on North Bayview Avenue is a large oak tree that has been around for more than 200 years. She decided to paint the tree on canvas to remember for many years to come.
“I love the bay and I love this tree. We enjoyed seeing this part of our community use this bluff, ”she said.
But times have changed in the past few weeks. Barricades are now blocking access to the oak due to damage from Formosa termites and fear that the tree is unstable. On Monday night, the city council decides on his fate. Mayor Sherry Sullivan tells WKRG News 5 that it will cost about $ 10,000 to save the oak.
“The tree is part of the community. We have watched generations of people come here to get married right under this tree. It was just a blessing, ”Howell said.
Three arborists have investigated what can be done to rehabilitate the tree, but all agree that it comes at a high cost. A major breach of the tree also made him unsafe and until a decision is made these barricades will stay in place.
