Top of ancient Mpls oak to be removed
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The end comes Wednesday for an oak tree more than 300 years old in Minneapolis. But a new tree is being planted to take its place.
The ancient bur oak stands over the Mississippi River gorge in Riverside Park, but it died after declining for years.
Arborists for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will remove the top branches of the tree. Those branches will be given to artists for carving bowls, cups and ornaments.
The 17-foot hollow trunk will remain. A young bur oak will be planted next to the tree this fall, and more oaks will be planted next spring.
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Ralph Sievert, director of the park board's Forestry Division, estimates the tree germinated in 1677, making it about 333 years old.
The tree reached 58 feet in 1941, but has lost branches due to weather damage and age. It's now 44 feet tall.
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Online: http://www.minneapolisparks.org
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)