Tumwater adopts resolution funding maintenance of Davis-Meeker tree

Tumwater City Council allocated up to $55,000 for preserving the historic Davis-Meeker Garry oak tree on April 15, 2025. City Administrator Lisa Parks explained that the funding would support risk mitigation activities recommended by arborist firm Todd Prager & Associates. These activities include reduction pruning to decrease failure risk and installing support systems for the tree. Initially, the city planned to remove the tree in May 2024 after a risk assessment rated it as high risk. However, public opposition prompted a second evaluation, which found that the tree posed, at most, a moderate risk under certain conditions.

The city will conduct monitoring every three to five years and after storms to maintain the tree's health. The estimated costs for preservation range from $30,000 to $50,000, with half allocated for pruning. This resolution reflects the city's commitment to balancing public concerns with environmental preservation.