Commission directs Tumwater to accelerate treatment of Davis Meeker Garry oak tree

The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission unanimously agreed to expedite treatment of the Davis Meeker Garry oak tree after two branches broke off during a windstorm last month. 

The commission made the decision after hearing an update about the roughly 400-year-old tree on Old Highway 99 at a meeting on Oct. 15. 

Based on a new assessment by arborist Christine Johnson from Todd Prager & Associates, a branch fell from the tree and struck a lower branch below it during high wind gusts up to 54 miles per hour. 

The incident left the tree with two wounds around 5 feet long and 1 to 2 feet wide, each. An aerial inspection revealed damage to the trunk shifted the tree’s center of gravity slightly to the south. 

An evaluation of the tree’s current risks also showed that out of 10 possible defects, there are five high risk parts, all of which are on the east side of the tree over the highway. That includes stems measuring 9 to 18 inches in diameter. 

Details of branch failure 

The portion of the tree lost in the branch failure made up about 32 percent of the tree’s crown volume, which Johnson said was significant given its age. 

The higher branch measured 24 inches in diameter at the point of attachment, 5 feet long and about 1.5 feet wide. 

Johnson attributed its failure to a bowed structure and load that occurred during the windstorm. She observed no fungal pathogens or pests.  

“There's a lot of gravitational forces on it. And then the wind came in, adding more force,” Johnson said. “Essentially the wood strength here at the attachment failed because there was too much of a load on that branch.” 

The lower branch measured 20 inches in diameter and exhibited minor white growth and black discoloration. Samples were collected for testing to differentiate potential bacterial infection from natural inclusion marks. 

Three options 

The commission has the permitting authority at the local level to proceed with any modification for the tree. To help the commission consider their options, Johnson proposed three measures. 

The first was to retain the tree through a combination of methods, including reduction pruning, supplemental support systems and managing target areas where tree parts could fall. 

Johnson advised increasing the amount of pruning that must be done compared to previous recommendations due to its current state. 

That would mean updating a treatment plan and securing required approval from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, a process that would take a few weeks.  

Implementing supplemental support systems may cause further delays, as that depends on the city’s contracting processes. 

Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams said if risks cannot be addressed in a timely manner, traffic closures would have to be imposed during inclement weather. 

Option two involves converting the tree to a wildlife snag, which would significantly reduce its size and minimize its possible impact on surrounding area.. 

A wildlife snag is a dead or dying tree retained for wildlife habitat. She noted a kestrel hole around 50 feet up in the central stem and an active bee nest in the lower trunk.  

A reduction of that magnitude, however would put immense stress on the tree. Johnson said while it may survive in the short term, the severe loss of its crown will ultimately accelerate its death. 

Option three is to remove the tree. 

Treatment plan 

As they were discussing options, commissioners expressed a strong desire to preserve the tree while acknowledging public safety issues. 

Commissioner Don Trosper said as a historic preservation commission, the priority is honoring the city’s heritage. 

“I hate to see it turned into a wildlife snag option,” Trosper said. “Our goal is not necessarily to save squirrels. It's to honor our history and our heritage, and so I put that priority over wildlife itself because we have plenty of trees in the area.” 

Some commissioners also expressed frustration about perceived delays in the execution of the treatment plan. 

Commissioner David Nicandri said no significant treatment action has happened since the last tree risk assessment in 2025. 

“It's distressing to note that the original study was now a year, almost a year and two-thirds old,” Nicandri said. “Other than the study and taking down the chain link fencing, nothing appreciable was done in pursuit of the recommendations.” 

Commissioner Alex Rossiter said it was “poor optics” not to have started any pruning when there are already known hazards with the tree. 

Adams explained earlier during the meeting that pruning was not approved for the first year of the treatment plan. She said staff have been adhering to the plan, which was authorized by the commission in March.  

“The work plan had a variety of treatments, and those treatments were advised to be taken over time,” Adams said. “In year one, we were focused on root zone management. … And then in year two or three, pruning, treatment and further assessment would take place.” 

Brian Caughlan, an urban forester working for Tumwater, added root management work was planned to begin in May, but was postponed to November on the recommendation of Prager due to a dry spring. Delaying the work prevented further damage to the tree.  

At the end of the meeting, commissioners agreed to direct city staff to secure a new or updated permit for treating the tree. The commission also directed staff to treat the directive as an emergency to accelerate procurement procedures. 

Adams confirmed with the body that staff would request an emergency declaration from the mayor and follow up with Tumwater City Council.