Large Wauwatosa oak tree cut down after storm damage

A notable tree in Wauwatosa has been cut down — but county employees say the loss has nothing to do with ongoing construction.

An oak tree situated east of Swan Boulevard along Menomonee River Parkway succumbed to storm damage Aug. 20 and had to be cut down, according to the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture.

The tree was estimated to be 188 years old.

Two-thirds of the crown of the tree failed at its major structural point Aug. 20 during high winds, representatives from the department said. Remaining lateral limbs were removed Aug. 21 and the 16-foot tall trunk was cut down Aug. 24.

"Interior weak wood and rot were revealed when our forestry staff evaluated the tree's damage the following morning," according to a memo sent by the department. "Taking into consideration the deterioration present at the fail-point along the location of the tree's remaining limbs over the existing path and parkway road, it was determined the best course of action for responsible public safety was to remove the remainder of the tree."

The memo noted the removal was in no way related to parkway road construction.

"We have made all possible attempts to save historic trees such as this one during our parkway project," the memo said.

The Wauwatosa Department of Public Works is continuing road maintenance pavement repairs along North Avenue west of Menomonee River Parkway to Met-to-Wee Lane. Phase 2 of construction was scheduled to begin Sept. 2 and is scheduled to last 7 to 10 days, weather and road condition depending.