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After heated debate, Kyle council opts against transplant; will pursue planting and memorials
Summary
Following months of study, council declined to bid a $499,000 live‑oak transplant and instead approved a package combining options to not relocate the tree, create artistic markers, and plan new plantings and land acquisition. Staff had warned relocation could cost $730,000+ and require weeks‑long road closures and water line work.
A long, often emotional discussion over whether to move a large, historic live oak — affectionately called “Jolene” — ended with council choosing not to proceed with a full transplant and instead directing staff to return with options to memorialize and replant.
Assistant City Manager Amber Smythe summarized arborist and feasibility reports that concluded the tree is in fair to good condition and could be moved using a large root ball (estimated 40‑foot diameter) and heavy lifting equipment. Environmental Design provided a transplant method and cost estimate; Smythe said the minimum relocation package (excluding some added impacts) would be about $499,000 for the transplant itself and roughly $730,000 with road restoration, rock mitigation and water‑line adjustments included. Staff also warned relocation would likely require full road closures for 4–5 weeks and temporary water shutoffs for about 14 homes when replanting.
Public commenters and several council members framed the tree as a historic, likely centuries‑old landmark tied to Old Stagecoach Road and the Camino Real. One resident asked the council to fund relocation from bond contingency money if needed.
Opponents of relocation raised cost, survivability and traffic concerns. Council member Rosiniga and others urged planting multiple younger trees and preserving public resources across the city, noting unpredictable success rates for very large tree transplants. Supporters, including council members who described personal ties to local history, said saving the tree would preserve a unique local landmark.
Council first voted on a motion to bid the transplant (option 1); that motion failed. A subsequent motion to pursue a combination of options 3 and 4 — which direct staff to not relocate the tree, develop an artistic marker near the tree’s current location, and propose new plantings or land acquisition for long‑term conservation — passed 4–2.
What’s next: Staff will return with specifics on potential art or memorial pieces, proposed planting sites and costs, and any land‑acquisition or conservation options for long‑term tree preservation or commemoration.
