The Old Stagecoach Heritage Oak Tree is a 51-inch diameter heritage live oak tree originally located within 6-inches of the pavement edge of Old Stagecoach Road; the tree is widely considered a City of Kyle asset and historical treasure due to its age and size. The future of the tree has been a topic of discussion since 2020 when staff began evaluating roadway improvements that were later approved by voters in the 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bond Election.

Following City Council action in February of 2025, the tree has been carefully transplanted from its original location to a city-owned area along Old Stagecoach Road a quarter mile north and adjacent to the Six Creeks Subdivision. The new location was selected for both its proximity to the tree’s original location and its matching soil profile.

The City of Kyle explored multiple options for the tree, including removing the tree and preserving the wood for an art project, relocating the tree, and realigning the Old Stagecoach Road Project around the tree.

Based on these options and public feedback, the Kyle City Council voted 6-1 on February 15, 2025, to relocate the tree to a city-owned easement in the Six Creeks Subdivision.

The tree has been relocated one-quarter mile northwest of the original location, on the opposite side of the road to a city-owned easement in the Six Creeks Subdivision.

The City of Kyle solicited bids from qualified arborist companies between March 18 and April 22, 2025, and selected Environmental Design, Inc. (EDI) to lead the relocation of the Old Stagecoach Heritage Oak. City staff worked with EDI to finalize the project scope, which includes four main phases:

1. Pre-treatment and Preparation: EDI began preparing the tree during summer 2025. This work includes watering the tree’s root ball, cultivating and improving the surrounding soil, and root pruning to a depth of 24 inches. These efforts strengthen the tree’s root system and overall health ahead of relocation. On November 3, 2025, EDI began encapsulating the tree and installing a piping platform to allow the tree to be carefully rolled from its original site.

2. Relocation Process: During the week of December 2, 2025, the tree was loaded and transported to its new home. The following week, the team positioned the tree, backfilled the planting area, applied mulch, set up irrigation, and performed site cleanup.

3. Post-Relocation Care: After relocation, the tree will receive regular irrigation, annual mulching, and monthly inspections by a qualified arborist. EDI is contracted to provide 24 months of post-relocation care to ensure the tree’s continued health and stability.

4. Roadway and Site Restoration: The City of Kyle is managing traffic control and restoring the roadway and surrounding area.

In Summer 2025, Environmental Design, Inc (EDI) spent approximately 100 days pre-treating the tree in preparation of the move. This period was also used to finalize the remaining planning and logistics for the move.

• Parcel dedication: October 21, 2025

• Tree Excavation and Treatment: November 3 - December 1, 2025

• Tree Relocation: December 2 - 10, 2025 

• Road Repair: December 11, 2025 - January 16, 2026

The smaller trees were removed to allow crews to safely excavate and relocate the large Heritage Live Oak. Even without the tree relocation effort, many of the smaller trees would have needed to be removed to accommodate the planned roadway improvements for Old Stagecoach Road. This includes widening, utility adjustments, and other construction activities required for the road bond project.

The Road Bond Program team is actively exploring opportunities to replant new trees as part of the improvements along Old Stagecoach Road and other road bond projects. The goal is to restore—and where possible, enhance—the landscape with species that support long-term health, safety, and aesthetics.

Based in Tomball, TX, Environmental Design, Inc (EDI) was founded more than 40 years ago and is a premier service provider for specimen tree supply and transplantation in the United States and throughout the world. EDI has also handled similar tree transplanting projects throughout central Texas and the nation.

Although relocation does not guarantee survival according to multiple contracted studies done on behalf of the City of Kyle by certified arborists, the city is committed to the long-term maintenance efforts needed to give the live oak its best chance. Those efforts include but are not limited to proper irrigation, annual mulching, and monthly inspections by a qualified arborist. Environmental Design, Inc (EDI) is also contracted to provide 24 months of post-relocation care for the tree.

The City of Kyle has approved funding for pre-treatment, tree relocation, and aftercare in the amount of $848,000, with a contingency of 10% at $84,800, for a total contract amount of $932,800. Funding for the project will come primarily from developer funding contributions for Old Stagecoach improvements. Additional expected costs include:

• Road Restoration: $129,540

• Water Valve Installation by KWU: $5,000

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