Oak Harbor is home to one less Garry oak tree as one fell victim this week to rot and the resulting danger to pedestrians.

Leffler Minckle Tree Service of Oak Harbor cut down an old Garry oak on property belonging to Calvary Chapel. The tree was located in a line of six of the protected oaks that border church property on Pasek Street. The historic church building fronts SE 9th Avenue.

“It was rotten in the middle,” said Dave Leffler, owner of the tree service company. “With big wood like that, when it falls over, if somebody’s there they’re in big trouble.”

Before cutting, the company made sure it was OK with the city. “You don’t touch an oak tree without a permit,” he said.

Jim Cuthbertson, associate pastor of the church, said the original intent was simply to cut away some dead branches. The proper city permit was obtained and the tree service brought in.

During the trimming process the rot problem was noticed. “Our permit read if it further increased potential hazard to the public it could be removed,” he said.

Any time an oak tree is cut in Oak Harbor the public’s curiosity and sometimes its ire is provoked. Cuthbertson said the police stopped by after hearing complaints, but were satisfied when shown the city permit.

Steve Powers, city development services director, confirmed that the church followed the rules. “There apparently was substantial disease,” he said. “They applied for a permit and followed the appropriate process.”

The city tree ordinance forbids cutting or even pruning a Garry oak tree without a permit.

Several other trees in the area were “dead-wooded” by the tree service, Leffler, said, meaning dead or dying branches were removed. He described the remaining trees around the church as “awfully old, but good for some time yet.”

At one time Calvary Chapel was thinking about moving so the site overlooking the marina could be developed, but those plans weren’t pursued. “We have no plans at this time,” Cuthbertson said.

That means the remaining Garry oaks will remain in good hands for the forseeable future.

“The Lord takes care of them,” Cuthbertson said.