County To Remove Decaying Willow Tree At Ashley Pond Park

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 17, 2023
- 5:41 pm

Willow tree on the south side of the Los Alamos Community Building at Ashley Pond Park is in a heavy state of decline and a danger to pedestrians and will be removed Monday, May 22. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division, in consultation with an Arborist from Southwest Fire, has determined the willow tree on the south side of the Los Alamos Community Building at Ashley Pond Park, 475 20th St., needs to be removed due to public safety concerns. Removal of the tree is scheduled for Monday, May 22.

“This willow tree is in a heavy state of decline, and with the high level of pedestrian traffic in the area, there is significant risk involved,” Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker said. “It’s important to keep everyone safe.”

The tree was damaged by lightning and is shedding bark, which is a big indicator of decay. Southwest Fire was able to identify wood rot and disease, which makes the tree branches more likely to fall during strong winds or storms and attracts pests and other wood-boring insects. In addition, if a tree is diseased, the infection can spread to other trees causing them to lose vitality. The tree is missing leaves and stands out across the beautiful landscape of Ashley Pond Park.

Parks will be planting additional trees around Ashley Pond Park this coming fall.

For more information, contact Parker at wendy.parker@lacnm.us or call 505.663.1771.