The Balmville Tree Is Still Alive? Can It Be True?

After being cut down to its trunk in August, rumors of the 300-year-old tree's death may be exaggerated.

According to a report by Mid-Hudson News, The Balmville Citizens Association is questioning if the historic tree was cut down too soon. The association has been tasked with developing a park around the location where the Balmville Tree stood since George Washington was alive.

The tree was chopped down after it was determined that it was too dangerous. A crack in one of the limbs forced the closure of Balmville road. While cables and other safety restraints were used to prop up the tree, the determination was eventually made by the DEC that it was just too dangerous and had to be taken down.

Emote de Papp Severo from the citizens association, however, claims that the tree is not dead. After being cut down, the Balmville Tree has apparently sprouted new shoots. Mid Hudson News quoted Severo as saying,

The tree is still alive... It is actually sending up new shoots, believe it or not, the old trunk. The only reason it was cut down is because there was a new crack in one of the limbs, the one that extends somewhat over Balmville Road and the town and the DEC were afraid this would cause the tree to collapse.

Phase one of a new park to replace the tree has already been completed and will be open to the public this Sunday. A garden with wildflowers and a gravel path will be unveiled and cider and donuts will be made available to all guests from 1pm to 3pm.

So what do you think should be done if the tree is still alive? Should it be allowed to grow again or should the trunk be replaced by the park as planned?