The relocation of a 260-plus-year-old heritage tree on the site of a new municipal building in Buda has been delayed due to rain.
According to a city press release, the plan to relocate the 53-inch diameter live oak tree will take approximately 2 1/2 weeks.
J.E Dunn, Buda’s general contractor for the project, will be on site to “oversee and supervise” the relocation of the heritage tree.
“The prep work (for moving the tree) consists of determining the outreach of the root system, digging around the root system, wrapping and securing the root ball, as the contractor continues to excavate around the tree in preparation for the move,” Ray Cresswell, Buda project manager, said in the release. “The entire tree will be placed and secured on a large steel pipe framed platform to safely move the tree intact.”
The decision to relocate the tree on-site instead of repurposing the wood for furnishings inside the municipal building was made “at the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission.”
During the process to craft the city’s transportation plan in February 2016, many Buda residents were opposed to any transportation plan “that would have an impact on the historic trees along Main Street.”
The release also cited the city’s Unified Development Code’s standards for classifying a heritage tree in Buda.
Under the UDC, heritage trees are classified as a “protected tree species greater than 20” in diameter, are classified as heritage trees, and are therefore afforded special consideration and protection under the code.
In September, the Buda city council, pushed by passionate residents, voted 6-1 to relocate the tree on-site, which will cost the city roughly $324,000. Council member David Nuckels cast the lone dissenting vote.
The press release also encouraged interested residents to go and watch the tree relocation process, but at a distance.
“Residents interested in viewing the tree being moved should park at Stagecoach Park and then walk up the sidewalk along Main Street in front of the municipal site,” David Marino, Buda public information officer, said. He added citizens won’t be able to watch the process on-site, but will be able to view it through the fence.
Tentative Tree relocation schedule
Week of January 23: The tree should be fully piped and beams will be installed with a chain tensioning system. Large excavators will be delivered by the end of week and excavating could begin on the receiving hole for the tree.
Week of January 30: This is moving week. The tree should be relocated and installed at some point during this week. It will take several days to move the tree.
Week of February 6: Cleanup, demobilize and move equipment out. Crews will finalize irrigation work for the tree.
It’s expected to take approximately three days to physically move the tree to its new location at the southeast corner of the municipal site. During the tree relocation process, the city will post pictures and video clips to social media sites, as well as update the bond blog on the website. Citizens can follow the bond blog at ci.buda.tx.us/Blog.aspx?CID=2.
