To all those concerned for the Memorial park and its wonderful trees, As you may have noticed, there has been extensive deforestation occurring at our beloved Memorial Park. In regards for the pines and evergreens I have to agree with the Parks and Recreation department that it is a shame but these trees are surely dead. In stark contrast, we must consider the oak trees and similar deciduous trees that are marked for removal. Through extensive research and communication with the Texas Forest Service I have come to find the truth about the wellbeing of these trees. Some of these oaks are greater than 50 years old. These trees drop their leaves every year during seasonal changes. They can also go dormant due to unfavorable growing conditions, for example drought or extreme cold or heat. The decision process that the Parks and Recreation Department is using is a visual test of the tree. If the leaves of the tree are dead, the assumption is the tree is dead. This may or may not be true. According to literature from the Texas Forest Service website, it is difficult if not impossible to tell if the tree is dead at this stage. A dormant tree has all of the same visual markers as that of a dead tree. The only failsafe method to see if the tree will survive is to wait until spring to see if the tree will have resurgence. For the fallen dead trees that present a hazard, safe removal is the obvious verdict. Yet, for the standing deciduous trees I question the rush to remove them from Memorial Park. These trees may continue growing and shading our park and I think most people would like the city to wait and give them a chance. It took 50 years to grow an oak tree, another 6-8 months to determine of it is going to survive is the only prudent approach. I appreciate if you consider this suggestion and help support our petition to save our trees at Memorial Park.