RISON - David Green of Rison with Green Tree Service cuts a limb from the top of a tree in FBT Community Park in the 200 block of downtown Rison Tuesday morning. After contacting an arborist with the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the decision was made to remove the taller tree in an effort to preserve and help nourish the large live oak that serves as the centerpiece to the park.
Keden Shrum, president of Rison Shine Community Development which is helping oversee the project, said the arborist called the taller tree a “suppressor tree” in that it was suppressing the health and growth of the live oak. In addition, a smaller live oak tree located at the front of the park next to Main Street, was showing signs of dying so it was cut down as well.
Shrum said the park is being cleaned up in advance of Rison in the Fall. He said some of the deteriorating boards on the deck around the live oak are being replaced as well.