DADE CITY – County Administrator Mike Carballa announced Aug. 19 that Pasco County will take steps to preserve an old oak tree outside the courthouse in Dade City.
This comes after members of the community urged county leaders not to remove the tree in favor of updated landscaping.
Carballa said county commissioners directed staff to employ a master arborist, who inspected the oak tree, provided a report on its condition and included options for removal, remediation or maintenance.
“Based on the arborist’s report and with the full support of this board, Pasco County will begin implementing a new maintenance plan to protect both the tree and surrounding property and we will reevaluate the tree’s condition biannually to ensure everyone’s safety,” Carballa said. “Pasco County appreciates the community’s patience as we move through the process of gaining a deeper understanding of the tree’s condition.”
County commissioners have received a lot of feedback from the community on the issue, including from Karen Menard of the Dade City Garden Club. Menard read a resolution from the club during the Aug. 19 public comment period urging the board to register Grand Oak No. 7 as a protected heritage tree.
“This tree is estimated to be between 200 and 250 years old and represents one of the oldest and most significant natural landmarks in Dade City,” Menard said. “The tree has been a witness to the history and development of the community, serving as a gathering place for generations of residents and holding cultural, historic and sentimental value.”
The Dade City Garden Club explained that mature oak trees provide shade, habitat for native wildlife, stormwater management and carbon sequestration.
