The Division Street Palm (Under Construction)

Arlington, Texas 7/19/2006

The Division Street Palm was originally located on the southwest corner of the Division Street overpass to Texas Highway 360 in Arlington Texas. Classified as a Washingtonia Filifera or California Palm, the tree grew to massive size on a steep slope surrounded by bridge pavement and railing, a light tower, highway sign, and wires above. The ground at its base was littered with large slabs of concrete and other debris. The original planting of the tree and how it survived and grow to this size without care is a mystery.

Arlington, Texas 5/10/2009

I first noticed the Division Street Palm while driving north on Texas Highway 360 on my way home to Carrollton from the University of Texas at Arlington. After entering TX 360 from the Abrams Rd. ramp I caught a glimpse of the tree to the west near the Dicvision Street overpass. Subsequently I explored for the tree and found it adjacent to the Division Street overpass. After my discovery I changed my normal route to the University and used the Division Street ramps to and from TX 360. This way I could check the condition and admire the tree each time I went to the University.

Arlington, Texas 7/16/2006

During the long hot dry months of North Texas I would carry five gallon buckets of water, in the early morning hours, from Carrollton to the tree for irrigation. California Palms, not native to North Texas, have been included in landscapes at selected locations in the DFW area. How this tree could grow to this size without irrigation, adjacent to a busy highway overpass, dodging maintenance crews, on a steep slope littered with debris, and crowded by surrounding structures, in the harsh North Texas climate has always filled me with wonder and motivated me to transport water for irrigation of the tree.

Arlington, Texas 5/10/2009

The Division Street Palm was located adjacent to a busy highway in an industrial/commercial area, with an automotive assembly plant and railroad yard just to the south, far removed from regular care or irrigation. The trunk of the tree was adjacent to the overpass pavement and railings and fronds from the tree were enveloping a light pole just to the northwest and approaching wires above. To the west a freeway sign blocked views of the tree from cars eastbound on Division Street. South of the tree was the steep slope rising to the overpass.

Arlington, Texas 10/15/2009

Conditions at the base of the trunk were also less than ideal. Large slabs of concrete were embedded in the soil and concrete debris surrounded the trunk at the base already crowded by the adjacent light pole and overpass concrete. Perhaps the concrete waste was an indicator that the Division Street Palm had survived an earlier round of construction or had somehow found a space and grew among the ruins?!

Arlington, Texas 05/10/2009

Looking west from the overpass one gets a sense for the promenance and isolation of the tree in an area of heavy traffic flow. This was a key factor in saving the tree as key supporters knew of the unusal tree and would regularly enjoy seeing it when passing through the area (including the author). The Division Street Palm continued to add new supporters and admirers at Carrollton Rainforest Pool location.

Arlington, Texas 9/19/2009

A view of the Division Street Palm in Arlington looking north from a position just south of the Union Pacific railroad overpass reflects the tree canopy among signs from business neighbors to the north. Over the years the tree was blasted by howling, frigid, north Texas winds followed by the blistering heat that accompanies north Texas summers.

Arlington, Texas 9/19/2009

In the early Fall of 2009 the Division Street Palm seemed helpless and doomed by the approaching overpass construction. The author contacted a number of government and private organizations and included images and information about the plight of the Division Street Palm with the hope of getting ideas on how the tree might be saved. Unfortunately this solicitation did not generate any helpful interest.

Arlington, Texas 10/15/2009

A ray of hope emerged when Jacquielynn Floyd, Dallas Morning News Columnist, responded to my email on October 8 and then called to arrange a meeting at the tree in Arlington on October 15, 2009. On October 15 Jacquielynn Floyd met the author at the tree accompaned by a Dallas Morning News Photographer. Jacquielynn collected information to write a story about the Division Street Palm at that time and which was published in her column on October 16, 2009 entitled: "Man's Rooting for Tree he Found on Highway.

Arlington, Texas 10/15/2009

The day after publication of the Dallas Morning News article the author received a call from Lorri Dennis, Arborist for the city of Carrollton, TX with an offer to move the tree to Carrollton. Lorri and Robert Hafkesbring, owner of Carrollton tree contractor The Tree Place, were familiar with the The Division Street Palm and had a plan to move the tree to the Carrollton Rainforest Pool. The stage was now set for the redemption of the Division Street Palm. Lorri Dennis and Robert Halfkesbring coordinated planning activities for the move to Carrollton with TXDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) who had jurisdiction over the Division Street Palm and adjacent property. The date for the move was finally set as December 11, 2009.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

December 11, 2009 was a chilly, overcast day. Texas Dept. of Transportation (TXDOT) had already removed the massive debris that previously existed around the base of the tree and was assisting with traffic management to help facillitate transplanting activities. Jacquielynn Floyd and Lorri Dennis were both there to provide support.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

The professionals from The Tree Place (formerly Designs in Nature) started early removing years of old fronds for access to the trunk and base of the Division Street Palm, carefully hand digging around the base of the tree for excavation of a substantial root ball, and staging equipment for the removal and transport. Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) had already cleared all debris from around the base of the tree including massive slabs of concrete. TXDOT was also managing traffic flow for the move and closed the south eastbound lane of the Division Street overpass. Tree Place staff positioned heavy equipment, including a large fork lift, in the closed lane for the removal and move.

Arlington, Texas 12/12/2009

The Tree Place heavy equipment ready for the removal in the east bound lane of the Division Street overpass to TX Highway 360. Note the steep slope down to the freeway to the right and bridge railing, light tower, and overhead wire obstructions.

Arlington, Texas 12/12/2009

In order to navigate around the obstructions, the tree was moved in increments with the strap connections at the tree trunk and fork adjusted a number of times to fit the tree through the limited free space available. Rotation of the tree to near horizontal and parallel to the Division Street overpass, was necessary in order to fit the tree between the bridge railing and overhead wires.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

In a remarkable display of ingenuity, and skill Robert Hafkesbring of The Tree Place operates a large fork lift, connected to the tree with a strap, to remove The Division Street Palm from the steep overpass slope. The tree is lifted over a bridge railing, beneath wires, and around a light pole into the eastbound lane of the Division Street overpass to Texas Highway 360.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

Robert Hafkesbring transports The Division Street Palm to a staging area southwest of the overpass. The next step was to load and secure the tree on to a flatbed trailer for the 25 mile drive northeast to Carrollton, TX and the Rosmeade Rainforest Aquatics Center.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

Texas Department of Transportation helped again by applying on-site heavy equipment with a fork attachment to load The Division Street Palm on to the Tree Place (formerly Designs in Nature) flatbed trailer. Note the pipe on the back of the trailer that is wrapped in burlap and designed to support the upper trunk of the tree and hold the fronds (palm leaves) above the road surface. This is another example of the innumerable issues The Tree Place professionals had to consider to complete the move.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

The massive weight of the tree bent the originally horizontal support pipe on the back of the trailer downward but the frame held. The frame on the back of the trailer to hold the fronds above the roadway is yet another example of the careful pre-planning by Robert Hafkesbring and The Tree Place! The author used this as an example of a beam loaded by a point load in a strength of materials class lecture.

Arlington, Texas 12/11/2009

The tree was buckeled in and readied for the journey to Carrollton where there was still much work to be done. Farewell to Arlington! Please see the "Moving Day" image gallery for additional photos of the Arlington Texas Division Street Palm Tree removal and efforts by The Tree Place and TXDOT.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

The Division Street Palm arrived at the Rosmeade Aquatics Complex in Carrollton, TX ready for planting. Lorri Dennis, Carrollton City Arborist, and Jacquielynn Floyd, Dallas Morning News Columnist, watch in the background. The tree had yet to endure a tulmultuous ordeal during uprighting and placement in the planting hole.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

The Tree Place staff, who planned for every detail, had already dug a planting hole in the black Carrollton clay soil; the address of the new home of The Division Street Palm. The plan was to lift and maneuver The Division Street Palm into the planting hole with the Bobcat.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

Robert Hafkesbring applies a Bobcat to move the tree off the trailer to a position adjacent to the planting hole. The atmosphere in the Carrollton park was much more tranquil and safe relative to the previous removal work at a busy freeway intersection. At this point we had no idea that the replanting/uprighting operation would be just as challanging as the earlier removal.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

Robert initially tried lifting the tree into the planting hole with a strap attached to the tree trunk and the Bobcat fork. This image, looking towards the northwest, shows the root ball and the light brown trunk, exposed for the first time, by the initial frond pruning in Arlington.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

He next tried pushing the tree into the hole with the Bobcat using bags of mulch to prevant damage to the trunk from the Bobcat fork. Note how the front wheels of the Bobcat liftedf off the ground trying to upright the massive tree. A number of us in "tug-of-war" fashion pulled on a strap attached to the trunk while the Bobcat pushed on the opposite side.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

Robert then went back to using the strap attached to the tree trunk and Bobcat fork in a different configuration. During the uprighting operation the tree crashed to the ground several times. This proved to be the most difficult obstacle in the overall moving plan as so far none of the approaches using the Bobcat alone worked to upright the tree in the planting hole.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

Chad Hyde, a supervisor with the Carrollton Parks Dept. responsible for the Rainforest Aquatics complex, watched the struggle to upright the tree and ordered a loader to assist the Bobcat in this operation. A strap was attached to the loader bucket arms and the Division Street Palm trunk. The Bobcat pushed on one side while the Carrollton loader pulled the strap on the opposite side and finally the tree rested in the planting hole.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

Seeing the tree upright in a new Carrollton home gave all of us present a great feeling of hope and exhileration after the tulmultuous uprighting ordeal.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

The Bobcat and loader continued to support the tree while the professionals from the Tree Place filled the gap between the root ball and planting hole boundary with soil and mulch.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

It had been a very long day but workers from The Tree Place completed the transplanting operation with additional procedures. Concrete piers were poured in the ground to support wood braces for stability during north Texas winds and storms and allow for root system redevelopment. Steel bands were wrapped around the tree, separated from the trunk by steel bands, for attachment of the braces.

Carrollton, Texas 12/11/2009

Finally the day was done and the move completed. The Division Street Palm enters the first night in a new Carrollton home in a tranquil park setting. Soon after the move The Tree Place returned and wrapped the trunk in burlap then wound old style Christmas lights around the burlap outer surface for warmth during freezing winter temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 12/25/2009

The first Christmas for the Division Street palm in Carrollton was white. The sight of the tree, safe in a new home thanks to many generous, compassionate peaple, was a beautiful Christmas gift.

Carrollton, Texas 2/27/2010

The freezing North Texas winter temperatures quickly took their toll on the once deep green fronds. It was sad to see the foliage deterioration after all the hopeful events of the past December.

Carrollton, Texas 3/28/2010

I checked the tree often in what seemed like the endless winter 0r 2010. Then in late March I discovered a pod of new fronds emerging from the heart of the tree surrounded by dead fronds vanquished by the winter cold. Throughout the history of the Division Street Palm damage to fronds from freezing temperatures was disheartening. I learned over the years to look at the heart of the tree and new growth as a sign of health during the cold season.

Carrollton, Texas 4/25/2010

In late April it was clear the Division Street Palm had survived the transplanting and winter. The Tree Place staff removed dead fronds leaving a few struggling fronds for a canopy. During this time, I carried buckets of water from home to water the tree; remaniscent of the much longer watering trips I made at dawn to Arlington in the past. The author contacted Maxwell Pons, of the Texas Nature Conservancy, a palm tree expert, for additional advice on how to care for the recovering tree. Maxwell Pons reassured the author about the struggling fronds noting that the more important root system was developing in lieu of the frond growth!

Carrollton, Texas 10/30/2010

During the Fall of 2010 warm summer temperatures produced strong development of the canopy. The Division Street Palm seemed ready for the North Texas winter and freezing temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 3/11/2011

The tree was wrapped and Christmas lights were installed by Carrollton Parks Dept. staff going into the winter. However, devestating winter temperatures again took their toll on the Division Street palm canopy.

Carrollton, Texas 9/2/2011

By early September of 2011, the Division Street Palm had again used the warm summer months to redevelop a frond canopy after winter damage. The Carrollton Parks manager, Chad Hyde, arranged for a watering box and hose installation adjacent to this tree. This made watering much easier for me vs hauling 5 gallon buckets of water in my car to the site! I developed the habit of watering at least once weekly during the hot dry months and sending reports with images to Carrollton Parks officials.

Carrollton, Texas 7/26/2012

In the summer of 2012 the Division Street Palm had a healthy frond canopy and had demonstrated the ability to survive winters with much less foliage. While watering the tree I liked to reflect on the wondrous circumstances which brought the tree from Arlington to this spot in Carrollton within walking distance of my home. So many had worked to save the tree at my request that I felt a responsibility to care for the Division Street Palm.

Carrollton, Texas 12/7/2012

Dry periods occur in the cooler months in North Texas as well. This image reflects a watering visit I made in early December of 2012. The Division Street Palm now has a robust canopy as if responding thankfully to a new, tranquil Carrollton Park home.

Carrollton, Texas 1/16/2013

The Division Street Palm, wrapped in protective tarp, stands ready for the winter of 2013. Typically the frond canopy deteriorated as winter progressed due to usual freezing temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 1/10/2013

Cold north Texas winters with below freezing temperatures took their toll on the frond canopy. During these periods I learned to look at the heart tree and had solace seeing new fronds emerging amidst the damaged mature fronds. California Palms are known for being "cold hardy."

Carrollton, Texas 2/19/2013

The Division Street Palm cast a long shadow during the winter. Cooler winter temperatures resulted in less evaporation so watering visits were less frequent. During hot, dry, summers, weekly watering visits were completed.

Carrollton, Texas 6/25/2013

Initially, I was provided a coiled hose and nozzle for had watering the Division Street Palm. It was sometimes taxing for me to stand in the summer heat and water by hand. Prior to watring, I hand trimmed grass around the base of the tree to prevent weed eater damage."

Carrollton, Texas 8/14/2013

During the hot summer months cloud cover was always welcome! If I was lucky there would be a good rain which, perhaps, would give me a week off! I typically completed my Carrollton tree chores weekly from May thru October.

Carrollton, Texas 10/3/2013

The fall months were very quiet with the pool closed and schools back in session. Temperatures for the most part were more moderate making hand watering less taxing.

Carrollton, Texas 12/24/2013

The day before Christmas and the Division Street Palm is wrapped and ready for the winter of 2014. Winters in North Texas are harsh with below freezing temperatures common.

Carrollton, Texas 1/22/2014

Soon after the commencement of my care for the Division Street Palm, at the Rosemeade Rainforest, I noticed a "candy cane" shaped cypress tree, one of four, just north of the Division Street Palm. The foliage on this tree was different than the other three cypress trees raising my concern. I added care and watering of this tree to my scheduled care of the Division Street Palm including hand trimming grass around the base.

Carrollton, Texas 4/23/2014

This image reflects the condition of the frond canopy subsequent to freezing winter temperatures. The canopy "greens up" as new fronds emerge from the heart of the tree as the temperatures get warmer. In north Texas we can experience dry conditions anytime so I checked trees year round for dryness.

Carrollton, Texas 8/26/2014

Improvement of the frond canopy is clear after four months of warm weather. This serene scene reflects the quiet times at the end of the summer when the hustle and bustle of pool activities has ended. Hand watering of the tree is difficult with hot August temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 10/9/2014

The Fall was my favorite time for tree work. With the pool closed and quiet atmosphere I could reflect on the miracle saving of the Division Street Palm and my responsibility to the people and organizations that made this redemption possible. Many people and organizations acted in response to my pleas!

Carrollton, Texas 11/13/2014

Installing the winter protective tarp was always a happy time with city workers enjoying their work! I was always impressed with the professionalism of the crew and how meticulous they were with the installation. Jason Arvera, Carrollton Parks Supervisor, first to the left of the tree, was a huge supporter in caring for The Division Street Palm.

Carrollton, Texas 12/26/2014

The day after Christmas at night saw the Division Street Palm wrapped with tarp and heating lights. I found that walking North on Old Denton Drive, downhill from Peters Colony, I could see the lights on the Division Street Palm looking northeast!

Carrollton, Texas 1/28/2015

Winter trips to the tree were always quiet with the Rosmeade Rainforest Pool closed. I remember the quiet being interrupted by mallards taking advantage of the pool! The wrapped Division Street Palm in this imageseems to point to my car in the parking lot.

Carrollton, Texas 3/26/2015

Early spring usually marked the end of freezing temperatures and the time for Parks Dept. crews to remove the protective wrap.

Carrollton, Texas 5/19/2015

This image from mid-May reflects thick, green grass adjacent to trees; the result of heavy Spring precipitation. The main task with these conditions was had trimming grass around the bases of trees.

Carrollton, Texas 7/3/2015

Cloudy days during hot, dry summers were always welcome. This image reflects a plethora of seed stalks which typically emerge in early summer.

Carrollton, Texas 8/27/2105

August always provides hot and dry conditions making for difficult hand watering. The pool was closed but I could still enjoy all the irrigated flowers and landscaping.

Carrollton, Texas 9/3/2015

Close-up of fruit bunches that emerged from seed stalks. Thw seed bunches were initially light green.

Carrollton, Texas 9/10/2015

2015 produced a bumper crop of fruit (seeds) on the Division Street Palm. The seed stalks, which appeared in early summer, went through several stages in their development. As the stalks opened, droups of flowers emerged. These evolved into fruit (or seeds) which were initially green. As the maturity of seeds increased over time they would turn from light green to light brown and finally turn black late in the season. As Fall approaches the beautiful Texas sky is becomes deep blue and in this image is painted by cumulus clouds.

Carrollton, Texas 9/17/2015

While rain in the spring of 2015 was abundant, the summer was, as usual, hot and dry. In September the park irrigation system was down. The watering box, I used to supply water for my tree work, was also down. This happened a number of times over the years during my volunteer work to care for selected Carrollton trees. In these cases I would transport water from my home to water the trees.

Carrollton, Texas 9/17/2015

The watering containers are now positioned adjacent to the Pond Cypress. I transported water from my home to water the Division Street Palm and Pond Cypress. Care of the Pont Cypress included had trimming grass around the base.

Carrollton, Texas 9/24/2015

Close-up of fruit (seeds) on the Division Street Palm. The light brown package of fruit on the left emerged earlier than the light green seeds on the right.

Carrollton, Texas 10/15/2015

The seed stalk to the left in this image is dark purple whereas the stalk on the right, where fruit emerged later, has light brown or tan fruit.

Carrollton, Texas 12/8/2015

The Division Street Palm , wrapped with warming lights, ready for the cold temperatures of 2016.

Carrollton, Texas 1/3/2016

Warming lights, in darkness, operational just after New Years. Lights in the background illuminate pool entertainment fixtures.

Carrollton, Texas 2/20/2016

During the lonely winter watering was less frequent and on my visits I checked the condition of trees. I would send pictures of trees and send reports to Parks Dept. management, with pictures and text, summarizing my activities for every visit year-round.

Carrollton, Texas 6/23/2016

View of the Division Street Palm looking east in early summer. At this time I started using a soaker hose, wrapped a number of times around the base of the tree, which I brought from home. Initially I was nervous to implement this change as the connection for the hand-watering nozzle never leaked over a number of years!!!

Carrollton, Texas 6/23/2016

I always looked for the seed (fruit) stalks in early summer and viewed these as a reflection of the health of the tree. The fruit is fruit color from light green to tan and then dark purplr the actually ediable! As summer progressed the fruit color transitioned from light green to tan and finally dark purple in the fall. The dark purple shell of mature fruit when broken contained a brown seed almost like a popcorn kernel. When the fruit dropped I would find seeds all over the area further poppagated by lawn crew blowers.

Carrollton, Texas 7/14/2016

In the middle of summer there were many patrons visiting the pool. Often I would be questioned about my watering and care for the Division Street Palm. This gave me the opportunity to tell the wonderful story about how the Division Street Palm was saved and moved to the Rainforest Pool area from Arlington. The Texas sky was always there to enjoy with cloud sculptures.

Carrollton, Texas 7/14/2016

A view facing East of the Division Street Palm towards the pool. I remember the sounds of children at the pool, the clanging of an attraction, and the sound of splashing water from an amusement station. This contrasted with months when the pool was closed where quiet was interupted by wildlife sounds.

Carrollton, Texas 7/21/2016

Flowering inflorescences from the Division Street Palm in the early stages of fruit development.

Carrollton, Texas 8/11/2016

Running soaker hose on the Division Street Palm. This allowed me to sit in the shade to monitor watering vs hand watering during hot summer months!.

Carrollton, Texas 12/6/2016

Wrapping the Division Street Palm for protection from freezing winter temperatures

Carrollton, Texas 12/6/2016

Wrapped and ready, with warming lights, for the winter of 2017.

Carrollton, Texas 1/4/2017

The Division Street Palm wrapped and lighted early in the winter of 2017.

Carrollton, Texas 4/3/2017

The cold of winter deteriorates the frond canopy. This time of year I would always look at the heart of the tree where new fronds emerge.

Carrollton, Texas 7/14/2017

Cumulus clouds are the background for the Division Street Palm during busy July at the Rainforest pool. Curved Fruit (seed) stalks are visable emerging from the heart.

Carrollton, Texas 7/21/2017

Soaker hose positioned for irrigation after grass trimming chores were completed.

Carrollton, Texas 7/28/2017

The Division Street Palm viewed from the entrance to the Rainforest Pool parking lot looking to the southeast. In late July temperatures in Carrollton are the hottest of the year and continuing into early August. The heat made watering chores more difficult. At this time I was still recovering from early July surgery and had to be careful lifting 5 gallon buckets of water to the cypress trees and my Legacy Burr Oak in Timbercreek park.

Carrollton, Texas 9/21/2017

Division Street Palm fruit with Cypress watering bucket in the background. Buckets of water were carried from the end of the hose to irrigate the pond cypress and other dry cypress trees in the grove.

Carrollton, Texas 10/12/2017

TAnother bumper crop of fruit on the Division Street Palm with bucket irrigated pond cypress in the background.

Carrollton, Texas 11/30/2017

Late Fall colors are evident in this image of the Division Street Palm, I irrigated trees at all times of the year during dry periods.

Carrollton, Texas 1/15/2018

Watering the Division Street Palm and pond cypress on a gloomy spring day.

Carrollton, Texas 3/9/2018

Looking at the heart of the tree to view new fronds emerging. I had enough experience at this time to be confident that the canopy would be restored during the coming warm months.

Carrollton, Texas 5/16/2018

Watering the pruned Division Street Palm in mid-May.

Carrollton, Texas 5/30/2018

Great egret flying low northeast bound over the Division Street Palm.

Carrollton, Texas 8/8/2018

During the hottest part of the summer of 2018 the irrigation system was down. The city installed Gator bags on the adjacent cypress trees which were periodically refilled by the city watering truck and me.

Carrollton, Texas 8/22/2018

The irrigation system was back up in late August but my watering efforts, as always, continued.

Carrollton, Texas 9/25/2018

A major construction project commenced after the Carrollton Rainforest pool closed for the 2018 season. The old pool support building was demolished followed by the construction of a new pool building. During construction operations I had no access to my usual box and water supply.

Carrollton, Texas 10/4/2018

I continued to monitor the Division Street Palm closely during the construction project. This image reflects how close the construction barrier was to the Division Street Palm. The city installed Gator bags around the base of the tree for irrigation as September and October can still be hot and dry!

Carrollton, Texas 10/11/2018

I monitored the Gator bags that the city installed around the Division Street Palm and cypress trees in the adjacent grove. In a Oct. 5 report I requested that the city refill all tree Gator bags in this area.

Carrollton, Texas 10/11/2018

I received motivation to contine my advocacy for the Division Street Palm and other Carrollton trees by focusing on new fronds emerging amidst a large construction project. The Division Street Palm was accustomed to nearby heavy construction. Back in 2009, in Arlington, TX, 24 miles to the SSW, the Division Street Palm survived in soil, comprising the Division Street overpass to Texas highway 360, as new overpass construction approached.

Carrollton, Texas 2/24/2019

The construction setting changed frequently and I checked the condition of the Division Street Palm often. Wrapping served as a marker to construction crews about the value of this tree.

Carrollton, Texas 3/24/2019

The condition of the tree was good in early spring in spite of nearby heavy construction.

Carrollton, Texas 7/31/2019

The watering box, valve, and hose I previously used for tree water was removed as part of the construction of the new pool building.

Carrollton, Texas 7/31/2019

Late July is usually the hottest, dryest part of the year. I decided to ferry water again from my home to irrigate trees. I made four round-trips from my home carring water in 5 gallon buckets for the trees:(1) 60 Gallons for the Division Street Palm. (2) 15 Gallons for the Pond Cypress. (3) 20 Gallons for my Legacy Burr Oak in Timbercreek Park. A total of 95 gallons or 0.4 tons was carried in my car on this date!

Carrollton, Texas 7/31/2019

The irrigation system was not active for the soil at the base of the Division Street. This image reflects very dry conditions for soil at the Division Palm tree base.

Carrollton, Texas 7/31/2019

Staging of 5 gallon buckets for partial watering of the Division Street Palm and irrigation of the Pond Cypress.

Carrollton, Texas 7/31/2019

Water from home to nurture the Pond Cypress until local supply is reestablished. I identified the location of my previous water valve box on an air photo, The city quickly installed a new box, valve, and hose for me to use for my watering work. The heat made transport of the buckets more arduous!

Carrollton, Texas 7/31/2019

60 gallons were applied to alleviate bone dry conditions at the Division Street Palm base.

Carrollton, Texas 8/6/2019

The city put in a new water supply box and valve as well as a new hose. Irrigation for the plot of land containing the Division Street Palm was also restored.

Carrollton, Texas 8/6/2019

The new hose was much longer than the previous one and had higher pressure. I was very impressed with the old hose and hand spray nozzle, in the days before I started using my soaker hose for the Division Street Palm. The old nozzle connection never leaked despite years of unwinding and winding cycles, to and from the valve box! This is a testament to the quality of city staff maintainance and lawn crews who, when they saw me caring for trees, were supportive and treated me as one of them.

Carrollton, Texas 8/6/2019

Evening falls as I utilize the new hose and my soaker hose to water the Division Street Palm. Lights from the new pool building illuminated in the background.

Carrollton, Texas 8/6/2019

The moon appears like an ornament above the Division Street Palm on this evening watering mission.

Carrollton, Texas 8/13/2019

Grass around the Division Street Palm recovering as construction barriers were removed and irrigation was re-established.

Carrollton, Texas 8/13/2019

The new longer hose installed by the city made it easier for me to water the pond cypress and the other cypress trees in the cypress grove. No longer was it necessary to carry 5 gallon buckets to these trees.

Carrollton, Texas 8/29/2019

The stress of the recent adjacent construction project and reduced irrigation did not stop the Division Street Palm from producing fruit seen descending in this image on the RHS of the tree.

Carrollton, Texas 9/5/2019

The heat and dry conditions in north Texas usually persist into September. The pool is now closed producing a tranquil atmosphere.

Carrollton, Texas 9/12/2019

The Division Street Palm casts a shadow to the north in mid-September. My car in the background is loaded with water buckets, filled near the Division Street Palm, and subsequently carried to Timbercreek Park to water my Legacy tree.

Carrollton, Texas 9/26/2019

Late September view of the Division Street Palm looking east with soaker hose running.

Carrollton, Texas 9/29/2019

View of fruit stalks with Texas sky in the background.

Carrollton, Texas 10/10/2019

Longer hose utilized to water Pond Cypress. I stilled used a 5 gallon bucket to measure the amound of water I applied to cypress trees.

Carrollton, Texas 10/10/2019

Unique boundary around the Division Street Palm enhances the setting; a fitting symbol for the Rainforest Pool. Note operating soaker hose.

Carrollton, Texas 10/10/2019

Conditions can still be hot and dry in October but the Fall reveals beautiful Texas skys adorned by clouds. Soaker hose operating in this view to the east. Note healthy fruit on the RHS of the tree.

Carrollton, Texas 11/3/2019

View of the Division Street Palm looking NNW. Note how the mature fruit darkens along with the arrival of cooler temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 12/2/2019

The Division Street Palm green frond canopy is maintained into early December in contrast to adjacent cypress trees where the impact of colder temperatures is greater.

Carrollton, Texas 12/2/2019

View of the Division Street Palm looking east. The shadow points to the northeast. The city stopped wrapping the tree and installing lights this year.

Carrollton, Texas 12/24/2019

View of the Division Street Palm looking east on Christmas Eve, The shadow points to the northeast.

Carrollton, Texas 1/6/2020

The Division Street Palm looking good in early winter. The deep blue Texas sky and wispy cirrus clouds provide a beautiful background.

Carrollton, Texas 1/27/2020

The Rainforest Pool area, teeming with activity during summers, is quiet and deserted during the winter.

Carrollton, Texas 6/17/2020

Soaker hose watering of the Division Street Palm during typically hot, dry season after hand trimming grass around the trunk base.

Carrollton, Texas 7/1/2020

Division Street Palm frond canopy with seed stalks emerging in early summer as usual. On this date I also hand trimmed grass around the pond cypress, deployed hose to cypress grove, and applied 55 gallons of water around the base of the pond cypress. I also filled 4 buckets (20 gallons), loaded them into my car, and then transported the buckets to Timbercreek park to care for my Legacy tree.

Carrollton, Texas 7/1/2020

Soaker hose deployed around the large diameter base of the Division Street Palm after hand trimming adjacent grass around the boundary.

Carrollton, Texas 7/8/2020

Soaker hose operating to irrigate the Division Street Palm. On this date I also completed usual activities on other Park trees as described in 7-1-20 caption.

Carrollton, Texas 7/15/2020

Soaker hose watering of the Division Street Palm. Frond canopy looks good ater 60 mph winds 3 days ago!

Carrollton, Texas 7/22/2020

Division Street Palm canopy showing development of seed stalks. Soaker hose running around the base. Today I applied 65 gallons around the base of the pond cypess. In the background, the Texas sky is full of cumulus clouds, While watering, I enjoyed associating cloud shapes with animals.

Carrollton, Texas 7/29/2020

Buckets loaded into my car for my Legacy Tree in Timbercreek Park. I would typically fill the buckets using the Division Street Palm watering box and hose and then transport the water. I had to walk to the tree from home on 8/11 because my car was down. A friend drove me and buckets filled with water from home on that day.

Carrollton, Texas 8/11/2020

Soaker hose running for the Division Street Palm. My car was down so I grabbed a bucket, grass trimmers, and my soaker hose and walked to the tree from home. A friend told me about a great shortcut using connected alleys!

Carrollton, Texas 8/21/2020

Soaker hose irrigation of the Division Street Palm during hot, dry, August.

Carrollton, Texas 8/28/2020

View looking ENE with soaker hose running.

Carrollton, Texas 9/25/2020

Bumper crop of fruit on the Division Street Palm depicted in this image with hose deployed to Pond Cypress in background. I was motivated to care for the adjacent cypress trees, which often I saw struggling in summer heat while working on the Division Street Palm.

Carrollton, Texas 10/6/2020

Closeup of Division Street Palm fruit with Pond Cypress in background.

Carrollton, Texas 10/6/2020

Soaker hose irrigation of the Division Street Palm.

Carrollton, Texas 10/6/2020

Extended Division Street Palm shadow in early Fall. Conditions in Fall can still be hot and dry so I continued my care efforts. Fall does bring hope for moderating temperatures and precipitation.

Carrollton, Texas 12/19/2020

Division Street Palm at the end of Fall with Christmas less than a week away.

Carrollton, Texas 12/19/2020

Long shadows as we approach the shortest day of the year.

Carrollton, Texas 1/13/2021

Division Street Palm holding it's own early in the winter of 2021.

Carrollton, Texas 2/2/2021

The Division Street Palm surviving cold north Texas winter temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 2/2/2021

Division Street Palm canopy fronds still green despite below freezing temperatures. Later in the month a historic winter event occured in Carrollton from Feb 10 - Feb. 20 with temperatures dropping to -2 Degrees Follton at one point. Nearby DFW Airport had 139 consecutive hours of below freezing temperatures.

Carrollton, Texas 2/24/2021

Division Street Palm fronds showing the effects of record low temperatures from the earlier winter storm.

Carrollton, Texas 3/12/2021

I was encourged by a patch of green on a lower frond branch with the hope the tree had survived the record February cold.

Carrollton, Texas 4/8/2021

I began my usual chores caring for the tree and providing soaker hose irrigation.

Carrollton, Texas 6/16/2021

The green patch I observed earlier turned to brown. The city removed all the dead fronds but I maintained hope for a recovery. In late May the city contacted me about the "status" of the Division Street Palm. One of my final acts as an advocate was to appeal to the city for an expert opinion to be sure we are giving the tree the necessary time for a recovery.

Carrollton, Texas 6/22/2021

Running soaker hose around the base of the Division Street Palm hopeing for a recovery.

Carrollton, Texas 7/28/2021

Running soaker hose around the base of the Division Street Palm hopeing for a recovery.

Carrollton, Texas 8/24/2021

Running soaker hose around the base of the Division Street Palm hopeing for a recovery.

Carrollton, Texas 9/24/2021

In late September the Division Street Palm still showed no signs of life.

Carrollton, Texas 10/2/2021

The city eventually removed the Division Street Palm leaving an empty space at the Rainforest Pool and in my heart.

Carrollton, Texas 10/22/2025

Im the area of the Division Street Palm city lawn crews used leaf blowers to clear debris off sidewlk pavement as part of their work. In the Fall, mature fruit from the Division Street Palm, would drop to the surface below. These berries with encapsulated seeds would be blown into Rainforest Pool flower beds.

Carrollton, Texas 10/22/2025

I subsequently noticed small palm trees sprouting in a flower bed near the former site of the Division Street Palm. I carefully dug up a number of the seedlings and planted them in a pot at my home and over time moved them to larger pots as they grew.

Carrollton, Texas 10/22/2025

Two of the seedlings survived and eventually necame too big for one pot. This image shows how I separated the two trees before placing them in their own pots.

Carrollton, Texas 10/22/2025

The tips of fronds emerging from the heart of both trees are now taller than me. My hope is that one of these trees will be planted in the former location of the Division Street Palm to continue the legacy.