Square-goers in Downtown have a towering new companion, and it's firmly rooted in eco-friendly ambition. Garland, Texas, bids welcome to a stately Shumard red oak tree, destined to cast a generous shade and possibly a bit of nostalgia for those who remember its predecessor.
According to an announcement by the City of Garland, the previous oak tree that once stood guard over the Square saw its end before the curtains were pulled back on the grand opening. Marking a fresh start, the newly planted tree already stretches skyward at an impressive height of about 25 feet, and given time plus a sprinkle of Texas sun, it'll mature into a leafy giant between 40 to 50 feet tall.
Function and flourish go hand-in-hand with this arbor addition. Locals and tourists alike can look forward to relief from the scorching summer heat, courtesy of what promises to be a broad canopy. The city touts this up-and-coming arboreal titan, currently enjoying the limelight on the Square, which will provide a natural respite for years to come.
Not just a pretty trunk, the Shumard red oak brings more to the table than shade. It's part of a larger strategy, alongside other green movements, aimed at beautifying city spaces and making those summer days a touch more bearable for the heat-weary pedestrians. Mayor Ron Sunshine, known for his green initiatives, has not yet made a public statement, but one can wager his leafy thumbs are up for this project.
