Conway, Arkansas – The City of Conway has announced plans to remove the Arkansas Champion Persimmon tree located along the Stone Dam Creek Trail within the next one to two weeks. While this tree has long been celebrated for its exceptional size and unique status, a recent professional risk assessment revealed that it poses a significant safety hazard to the public.
The persimmon tree, recognized as a Champion in the Arkansas Champion Tree Program, has suffered from extensive heartwood decay and a hollow trunk on its north side. Experts also noted crown dieback, meaning much of the tree is no longer producing healthy foliage. Compounding the concern are past damages from lightning strikes and previous large branch failures. Arborists additionally pointed to root disturbances caused by prior site clearing and trail construction, including cut roots and soil mounding at the base, which have compromised the tree’s structural stability.
“Because the trail runs directly beside the tree and is frequently used by pedestrians, the risk of falling limbs or trunk failure is too great to leave it standing,” city officials said. Arborists recommended removal as the only effective solution to eliminate the hazard and protect those who use the popular walking trail.
While the removal is necessary for safety, city leaders acknowledged the tree’s importance as a community landmark. Its designation as a Champion Persimmon underscores its unique size relative to other persimmon trees in the state. The Arkansas Champion Tree Program recognizes the largest trees of each species in the state, highlighting the diversity of Arkansas’ forests and the distinctive characteristics of its native trees.
“We recognize this tree’s importance as a community landmark and its unique designation as a Champion Persimmon,” city representatives said. “Its removal is a difficult but necessary step to protect the safety of everyone who uses Stone Dam Creek Trail.”
The Arkansas Champion Tree Program is a statewide effort to document and honor the largest trees of each species across Arkansas. Unlike popular assumptions, being a Champion does not necessarily mean a tree is extraordinarily tall; rather, it is measured against other trees of the same species in terms of height, width, and overall size. Arkansas’ varied landscape provides habitat for a diverse array of tree species, each with its own unique qualities, and Champion trees offer a glimpse into the state’s natural wealth.
Although the loss of this persimmon tree is a blow to the community and local nature enthusiasts, the city emphasizes that public safety must take precedence. Trail users are reminded to stay clear of the area while removal operations are underway. City crews plan to conduct the removal with care to minimize environmental impact and preserve surrounding vegetation along the trail.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying Stone Dam Creek Trail while respecting all posted safety warnings during the removal process. The city has also indicated that educational signage or a small commemorative marker may be placed at the site in the future to honor the tree’s legacy and its role as an Arkansas Champion.
The decision reflects a careful balance between preserving Arkansas’ natural heritage and ensuring the safety of community members. While the persimmon tree will no longer grace the trail, its recognition as a Champion tree ensures that it remains a celebrated part of the state’s arboreal history.
As one of the largest of its kind in Arkansas, the tree will be remembered not only for its impressive stature but also for its connection to the Conway community and the broader mission of the Arkansas Champion Tree Program to celebrate the state’s rich forestry resources.
