Restaurant Owner Refuses to Cut Down Tree, Turns It into a Piece of Art Instead

Paula Liu
By Paula Liu
March 5, 2019Trending
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Restaurant Owner Refuses to Cut Down Tree, Turns It into a Piece of Art Instead
(Public Domain)

A restaurant owner helped turn a century-old tree that was interfering with nearby power lines into a piece of artwork.

The 100-year-old tree rested on the property of the local barbecue restaurant just along Highway 6 in the heart of Alvin, Texas.

The cottonwood tree had become a landmark and an integrated part of the community, according to KTRK. It was located next to Joe’s Barbeque, the restaurant that Joe Saladino owned.

However, the tree was getting too big, and it got tangled with the local power lines. When the tree was ordered to be cut down, Saladino decided to do something with the century-old tree.

In order to save the tree from being completely destroyed, Saladino hired James Phillips, an artist known for his wood carvings, to repurpose the tree so that it would still hold some meaning to the town.

Come by JoesBBQ for the next few days and watch us turn a 100 year old tree to Art. Famous sculpture James Phillips is preserving this old tree that has been in Alvin for over 100 years.

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Martes, Mayo 15, 2018

“Come by JoesBBQ for the next few days and watch us turn a 100 year old tree to Art. Famous sculpture James Phillips is preserving this old tree that has been in Alvin for over 100 years,” Joe’s Barbeque restaurant Facebook page read in May 2018.

Some of the older residents of the town even remembered the tree from many decades ago.

“I’ve lived here in Alvin 80 years and I remember when this tree was small,” Charles McCauley told KTRK.

Another resident said the tree had been around for 100 years, and it would be great if it stayed.

According to another resident of Alvin, the tree was a very important piece of the history of the community, and preserving its history is very important.

Shaping up real nice.

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Martes, Mayo 15, 2018

When asked about trees, Phillips said, “they last a lot longer than we do and many people. If they stay in the same place for a long time, (they) grow accustomed to their trees and eat and meet under their trees.”

Phillips made sure that the tree would be cut enough so that it would not be interfering with any power lines.

He also carved out the tree so that it would provide a signpost for Joe’s BBQ restaurant.

There were also talks of carving out other trees in the parks and areas nearby in order to attract people to the town.

Saladino was just glad that the sign that Phillips carved out of the cottonwood tree made people smile.

For the next few days, Phillips worked on the tree, and throughout the process, the restaurant’s Facebook provided updates.

Stop by Joe’s today and check on the tree art it is Awesome. Channel 13 will be out here today at 11:45 to see how the process is going.

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Miyerkules, Mayo 16, 2018

“Stop by Joe’s today and check on the tree art it is Awesome. Channel 13 will be out here today at 11:45 to see how the process is going,” an updated post on the restaurant’s Facebook read.

Building the star on top.

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Miyerkules, Mayo 16, 2018

More updates followed the posts informing of how the statue was progressing, from the base of the statue to the star that sat atop the statue.

Here is some live action.

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Martes, Mayo 15, 2018

Thee repurposed tree finally turned into an amazing statue days later, along with providing a bit of wood left over, which Phillips turned into a bench.

We are so happy with the work that James Phillips did on preserving this 100 plus year old tree for many people to enjoy…

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Lunes, Mayo 21, 2018

“We are so happy with the work that James Phillips did on preserving this 100 plus year old tree for many people to enjoy for many years to come. It is complete. So come by and take a look at this awesome craftsmanship make sure you take a picture and share it on our Facebook page,” read the Facebook post.

Although the tree didn’t look like it did so many years ago, Alvin residents are pleased with its transformation.

Now, those who live in the community will be able to remember the tree, while also creating new memories.

The tree carving is coming along real nice.

Nai-post ni Joe's Barbeque noong Biyernes, Mayo 18, 2018

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