LaFortune Park Goers Surprised To See Trees Down To Stumps

A row of Cleveland pears that lined Yale Avenue near LaFortune park is down to the stumps. There used to be trees out in the median, but they were cut down. It was the tree loving group 'Up with Trees' that called in the saw.

What was an impressive stand of trees is now just a row of stumps. Most of the median planters on Yale by LaFortune Park are empty.

It was just last week, when the trees were full grown, now, they've been cut to the stumps.

Tulsa resident Deborah Yabrough, said, "They were beautiful, absolutely beautiful trees and I'm surprised that they're gone."

The people who live nearby, and use the park, couldn't believe it.

Tulsa resident Jan Grogan, said, "It was beautiful. There trees were throughout the center island and I was watching them all come into bloom with that beautiful yellowish color and I just can't believe they're gone."

The planters belong to the city but the trees are managed by "Up with Trees." The group's operations manager, Steve Grantham, said they didn't have much choice.

"14 of them were completely dead. About another 8 or so were 50 percent or more, so were confronted with the issue of what do we do," Grantham said.

Grantham said the pear trees weren't right for the situation, and the planters were so full of dirt, they wouldn't hold mulch and water would just run off.

Up with Trees plans to dig out the soil and put in new trees, better suited for the site. They'll install trees that are 12 to 14 feet tall, big enough to bloom next spring.

"So it's going to take a while to get it right and make sure the tress that get put back in there will thrive for years to come," said Grantham.

There are a few trees still standing. They'll be left for now, but Grantham thinks they won't last much longer and will likely have to go in a few years.

Up with Trees said this is a natural part of tree work and they're encouraging homeowners to plant more trees. They give seedlings away at their office.