The Nation - News from July 12, 1989

The third growth of leaves on the vandalized Treaty Oak in Austin, Tex., is turning “brown and crunchy,” but a city forester said he remains hopeful the landmark tree will refoliate--at least partially--next spring. But forester John Giedraitis said even if the 500-year-old tree survives, it will not be the same sprawling live oak that admirers remember before it was intentionally poisoned with the powerful herbicide Velpar. City workers have removed all the poisoned soil and are continuing to mist the tree with cooling spring water and protect it with giant sun shades to lessen stress as temperatures climb into the high 90s each day. Paul Stedman Cullen, 45, of Elroy has been charged with felony criminal mischief in the poisoning of the tree.