First Try Moving League City Oak Delayed

Tree to be moved to allow for road to be widened

Bigger equipment will be needed to relocate an estimated 400-ton oak tree in Southeast Texas because it's heavier than first thought.

Officials in League City say Thursday's scheduled move has been delayed because the contractor wants to use stronger beams and spreader bars.

No new moving date has been set. 

League City officials have set up a webcam where people can watch the move.

Some equipment buckled Wednesday as cranes tried to lift the tree, which originally was estimated to be about 270 tons.

The Ghirardi oak, named for one of League City's farming families, had faced being cut down to widen a street.

Supporters rallied to relocate the more than 100-year-old Compton oak to a park, at a cost of nearly $200,000 to League City.

City Manager Mike Loftin says everything possible is being done to maintain the tree's health.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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