Iconic pecan tree at Barton Springs Pool diagnosed with fungal infection
Monday, August 21, 2023 by Eric Webb
An old friend is under the weather. According to a city news release, a large pecan tree at Barton Springs Pool, nicknamed Flo, has been diagnosed with Kretzschmaria deusta – a wood decay fungus also known as brittle cinder fungus. The Parks and Recreation Department first noticed the fungus during a routine inspection on July 6, and it was diagnosed by a Texas A&M University lab on Aug. 15.
Photo by city of Austin. An iconic pecan tree at Barton Springs Pool has been diagnosed with a wood decay fungus.
“This disease weakens roots and wood at the base of the tree and has been known to cause whole tree failures in trees that otherwise look healthy,” according to the city. Further independent reports from certified arborists are expected in the coming weeks.
“As a precautionary safety measure, access around the tree will be sectioned off from pool users,” according to the city. If the tree needs to be removed, the parks department promises residents will be able to “honor the tree.” The news release states that there would also be “options to memorialize this iconic tree through creative reuse of remaining intact wood.”
Photo by city of Austin. Parks and Recreation Department staff first noticed a fungal fruiting body at the base of the tree in July.
Get more info and follow updates at austintexas.gov/BSPtree.
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