Famous willow tree at Finch Arboretum to be removed after being split in half

A distinctive willow tree popular for climbing in the center of the John A. Finch Arboretum is being removed after park officials decided it was no longer safe to play on.

The tree was being fenced off this spring when a small crack began to grow in the trunk, said Josh Morrisey, marketing coordinator for Spokane Parks and Recreation. It has now split in half, with one half lying on the ground.

The white willow has a low branch that is known to be parallel to the ground and easy to walk on. It was often used for portraits. This part of the tree is still standing but is no longer safe as the cracking in the trunk is likely to get worse.

Arborists and city consultants concluded that the tree cannot be saved by additional tools or by propping up the tree.

“Willows unfortunately have a notoriously short lifespan, so it is not uncommon for this tree to begin to decay at this age,” reads a sign in front of the fence.

The pasture was planted in 1946, Morrisey said.

Staff are considering several options for the tree, and Morrisey said the department plans to release a survey for public input soon.

Parts of the tree could be laid on the ground and turned into a “natural playground”, cuttings of the willow could be replanted, or a new tree could be planted in that spot.