Already-leaning sycamore at Wildcat Park Spring cracked last week, now it comes down safely

“Very dangerous,” says Lauren Copple, of Outer Oaks, Forestry Consulting. “It wasn’t a matter of if, it was going to happen, but when, it was going to happen.”

This already-leaning sycamore has been doomed for quite a while. Even though it was obviously well-loved by the community, who shared the story 500 times in a social media post last week. 

“You never want to have concrete around the root base of a tree. That affects the overall health.”

Copple is a certified arborist, one of only a few in the area. Her company does tree consulting. The city of Joplin has hired her to bring a team together quickly today to remove this large tree.

The tree had been leaning a long time, or grew at a slant, it is unknown. However after cracking last week? “It’s dangerous the way it’s leaning there against the cliff. It’s been like this all weekend," Copple said.

By noon the tree was on the ground and then it was being cut down into pieces for transport.

Estimates are the sycamore is about 80 years old. But it’s not the end of the road for this giant. Copple says different groups are going to give the tree new life. 

“We are trying to use as much of the tree as we can!” 

— (click) Wildcat Glades Friends Group

• Some of the wood will be crafted to create a bench/furniture.
• Wood shavings will go to the playground area. 
• Wildcat Glades will craft some commemorative items for purchase in the gift shop.
• Post your thoughts and ideas in this FB comment thread.

Copple reminds when you are thinking of planting trees, consider the surroundings. Avoid concrete, asphalt and even decorative tree rings. Click here to follow and read more on Outer Oaks FB.