Postponed: Celebration of “Flo” to take place Wednesday

Update: The city announced Monday that the celebration and removal of Flo will be delayed while other options are explored. Stay tuned for more details. 

In light of news that the beloved Barton Springs pecan tree known as “Flo” will be removed following a diagnosis of Kretzschmaria deusta, the city will be holding a “Celebration of Life” ceremony. The event, which will feature a water blessing and opportunity to say farewell to the tree, will take place at the pool on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.. The Parks and Recreation Department is also collecting remembrances and photos of Flo at treestories@austintexas.gov. Because there is no effective treatment for brittle cinder fungus and it can cause the tree to collapse, all four city arborists recommended its removal due to safety concerns and the lack of treatment options. Removal of the tree is currently scheduled for Sept. 14.