By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
“I've been poisoned! Who? Why?”
So reads a sign posted by a critically ill Live Oak tree in front of Blair's Western Wear at 2501 US 281 in Marble Falls.
In mid-June the tree was encircled at its base with what police are calling a “toxic substance” and they hope a tip from the public can solve the crime of who has poisoned the tree.
The leaves are beginning to turn brown and the prognosis is not good for survival of the arboreal patient. Since the tree is only about five inches in diameter, it may no sound like much of a loss, but it is.
“The estimated value of replacing the tree is $25,000,” said Marble Falls Police Capt. B.J. Nelson. “The tree itself is worth $10-$15,000, but there will be a site clean-up for the toxic substance.
“The charge is criminal mischief. We welcome information about the perpetrators.”
