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May 5, 2008 5:52 pm US/Central
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Tree More Than A Century Old Accidentally Cut Down
Seema Mathur
WAXAHACHIE (CBS 11 News) ―
A tree more than a century old was lost due to miscommunication in Waxahachie.
About a week ago, TxDOT hired a contractor to cut down damaged trees. But TxDOT said they never meant for the treasured landmark to be turned into sawdust.
"It was a regrettable mistake," said William Pierce, a TxDOT engineer in Ellis County.
Analytical Technology Consultants, based in Sachse, said they were following instructions from TxDOT. They were told to use their best judgment in selecting trees to cut down.
"For him to say he thought he could take it down because we had an understanding, I don't think that's accurate," Pierce said.
In the meantime, a piece of Waxahachie history is now mulch and dust.
"Judging from the circumference and the girth of the tree, it's a 100-plus-year-old tree," said Mark Arnold, Texas Agrilife Extension Office.
Ron Brown and his family first moved to East Pecan Tree Road when he was four-years-old.
"We'd come down here and pick up pecans," he said.
But now a stump is all that's left of that treasured pecan tree.
"Sometimes they would stop get out have some water and lunch under the tree," said Brown.
Brown isn't the only resident who will miss the treasured landmark.
"People have missed their turn because they always look for the pecan tree," said Brown.
The contractor that cut down the tree says they are willing to help plant a new one. TxDOT says it won't pay for the mistake.
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