Tree falls in Zilker Park

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A large Pecan tree came crashing down at Zilker Park Wednesday evening. It appeared the old tree simply snapped in half. This particular tree had been on a list of trees in danger of falling and had previously been considered for removal.

Tina Boecker is just happy it didn't fall during her daily walk right past it.

"I'm glad I'm here today and not yesterday," she said.

City Parks officials say this tree was not one of 28 targeted in a recent survey of which Zilker trees should come down.

"It's just part of nature you know- the tree falls and you just find another one," said Chester Bailey, who brought his family to Zilker Park Thursday afternoon.

On June 29, the city cut down three trees it deemed in danger of falling or creating a safety hazard around the Zilker playscape. After public outcry, they decided not to cut down all 28 of the trees tagged in the original survey.

"These trees do have lifetimes," said Tina Boecker. "This is exactly what they were concerned about - so I'm not really surprised since a lot of these trees are really really old and they've been here a while.

Boecker will continue her daily walks through Zilker Park, but might consider looking up a little more often.