Pruning Planned for Treaty Oak

The historic Treaty Oak, a centuries-old tree that was heavily damaged by a powerful herbicide, will be severely pruned later this year in an effort to save it, the city forester says.

“It’s time,” John Giedraitis said. “What’s dead is dead.”

About three-fourths of the tree’s crown will be cut off, he said, leaving only one living section.

The tree, estimated to be as many as 500 years old, was poisoned with the liquid herbicide Velpar in early 1989. About two-thirds of the oak died, foresters said.

According to legend, the tree was the site of a treaty-signing between Stephen F. Austin and Indians.

Paul Stedman Cullen was sentenced to nine years in prison for poisoning the tree. Prosecutors claimed that the poisoning was part of a ritual to attract a woman’s attention.

Since the poisoning, the small park surrounding the tree has been pampered with activated charcoal, microbes, fertilizer, salt water, sugar water, spring water, a huge set of shades and an intricate sprinkling system.

But that has not brought the dead limbs back to life.