Des Moines’ iconic catalpa tree can’t become a sculpture

A lightning-damaged treeat Woodland Cemetery is too hollow to become the giant sculpture preservationists had hoped for, Des Moines city officials tell Axios.

Why it matters: The finding closes off a possible second life for one of Iowa’s largest known northern catalpas, though efforts continue to preserve its wood and genetics.

Driving the news: Urban forestry project manager Dan Just and tree sculptor Gary Keenan inspected the tree last week and concluded its hollow trunk cannot support a large carving…

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