Submitted by City of Tumwater
The Davis Meeker Garry Oak has stood for some 400 years. Today, the City of Tumwater is releasing additional in-depth analysis that presents new potential options for the tree to continue standing as a beloved part of the community.
The Tree Risk Assessment by Todd Prager & Associates is available on the City of Tumwater’s website.
“I want to thank the community for engaging, both those who prioritize public safety and those who prioritize preserving the Davis Meeker Garry Oak,” said Mayor Debbie Sullivan. “It is encouraging to see that there might be options to save the tree and meet our obligations to protect people in the community.”
In May of 2023, an 18-inch diameter branch fell from more than 40 feet onto the nearby roadway, causing concerns for Tumwater residents’ safety. An initial risk assessment that followed the incident found continued structural failure of the oak as a likely outcome and recommended removal of the tree to protect public safety.
Following heartfelt expressions of support for maintaining the historically significant tree, the Mayor agreed to commission further analysis. The new tree-risk assessment, including more extensive sonic tomography and robust aerial inspection of the tree, brought information forward that was not available in the initial assessment. Specifically, new analysis reveals that the tree’s condition is better than was thought.
The City of Tumwater has faced difficult choices balancing historic preservation, the community’s love for the tree, and the need to protect people’s safety.
With new analysis, expert advisors have identified potential new options for the City’s consideration. A summary of these options is found on page 18 of the risk assessment report.
An initial review of the document by the City is currently scheduled for a City Council work session on March 11, 2025. Comments can be made by emailing: Council@ci.tumwater.wa.us.
