Leavenworth says farewell to Front Street Park’s beloved spruce

LEAVENWORTH — The City of Leavenworth said farewell to two of Front Street Park's iconic spruce trees on July 15.

According to city officials, a recent arborist inspection confirmed that the two trees could not be saved, as one is completely dead and the other dying. The trees were considered a public safety risk, particularly because they are located in a high-traffic area. The City of Leavenworth contracted Clifton Tree Services to remove both trees.

One of the trees stood around 85-feet tall, serving as a famous backdrop for Leavenworth’s Village of Lights Christmastown display.

“It’s a real disappointment and it was a really hard decision to remove this iconic tree from the Front Street Park, but we had to do it,” said City Administrator Matthew Selby. 

In a statement on social media, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Marketing and Public Relations Director Jessica Stoller said the news was bittersweet, but not unexpected. The chamber had long been aware of the declining health of the trees and understood the city's decision to remove them in the interest of public safety.

“We recognize the special place this tree holds in the memories of both residents and visitors, and appreciate the many years it has been part of Leavenworth's holiday traditions,” said Stoller.

According to Stoller, the Chamber Board of Directors is actively discussing enhancements to the upcoming season's Christmastown display. As part of the broader downtown revitalization planning process, the chamber also anticipates continued conversations with the city regarding the future of downtown greenspace and tree planting.

To commemorate the tree, the city said it asked Clifton to cut a few pieces of the trunk into eight- to 10-foot sections that could be later used for carvings. Interested carvers can contact the Public Works Department to coordinate pick up.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media