Arborists: Fernandina's historic Kate's Tree can be saved after limb loss, but urgent work is needed

FERNANDINA BEACH — Two independent arborists who examined Fernandina Beach's iconic "Kate's Tree" following the collapse of a massive limb last weekend concluded the historic live oak can be preserved, but only with prompt structural mitigation and ongoing monitoring.

"The tree has been structurally deficient for quite some time and is beginning to break apart under load," he wrote, citing the recent failure and visible fractures in the remaining trunk structure.

"The tree is not a removal, and did not fail due to disease or pests, but the tree does require structural mitigation in order to preserve the remaining structural integrity of the tree," he wrote.

Lippi also warned that if the city's proposed conversion of Ash and Alachua streets to one-way traffic proceeds, any asphalt removed within the tree's canopy area must be taken out by hand to avoid damaging roots. Heavy equipment should not be used inside the tree's root zone, he wrote.

McCall described the tree as what appears to be two live oaks that fused together over time. One section measures approximately 44.5 inches in diameter, while the larger stem measures about 50.3 inches. The tree occupies a narrow landscape island surrounded by pavement, leaving it with restricted growing space.

"This part will never be a strong tree again," McCall wrote of the damaged stem.

Both arborists pointed to the tree's restricted growing environment as a contributing factor in its decline.

Although the tree contains moderate internal decay and suffered a major structural failure, Lippi's formal risk assessment rated its overall risk as "low," citing the relatively low likelihood of another failure striking a target despite potentially severe consequences if one occurred.