Alliance for Cape Fear Trees addresses concerns over South Live Oak Parkway tree removal

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is responding to community concerns following the recent removal of several mature oak trees along South Live Oak Parkway, saying the trees had become hazardous and could no longer be safely preserved.

In a social media post, the nonprofit acknowledged the emotional response from residents over the loss of the mature tree canopy but said the decision was based on the condition of the trees rather than their appearance.

“Not every oak is the same. Not every tree ages the same. And not every tree can be saved,” the organization wrote.

According to the Alliance, mature trees can continue producing healthy-looking leaves even after their structural integrity has been compromised by internal decay.

The organization said Dennis Baum, an ISA Certified Arborist and owner of Tree Nerds LLC who serves as a senior adviser to the Alliance, independently evaluated the trees before they were removed.

Baum concluded the hazards could no longer be mitigated through pruning and said the trees had reached the end of their life cycle from an arboricultural standpoint. According to the Alliance, the trees contained large pockets of internal decay near their trunks, visible shelf fungi — an indicator of advanced decay — and heavy limbs extending over the roadway and sidewalk.

The Alliance also said the trees had entered a process known as retrenchment, in which aging trees naturally experience dieback in the outer canopy as they attempt to conserve energy.

The organization said its goal is to maintain a healthy and resilient urban forest, noting that while many mature trees can be preserved for generations, others eventually become unsafe and must be removed to make way for future growth.

The tree removals have generated discussion among Wilmington residents in recent days as community members questioned the need to remove the mature oaks.