The largest black willow tree in the state of Texas has been accidentally cut down in the White Rock Lake area of Dallas.
Dallas Park and Recreation Department official Oscar Carmona said the 170-year-old black willow was mistakenly cut down by a contract crew grinding tree stumps. He told The Dallas Morning News that the crew made the decision to cut down the tree without consulting anyone.
The black willow was designated the species' champion by the Texas Registry four years ago. It was 47 feet high and had a girth of 265 inches.
Another black willow has replaced the felled tree as state champion, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
