Please Don’t Throw Me Something, Mister!
Mardi Gras is a time for celebration, tradition, and, of course, catching beads. But while the fun fills the streets, our city’s live oaks often pay the price. With over 800 trees lining St. Charles Avenue—ranging from newly planted trees to majestic oaks over 150 years old—our urban canopy bears the weight of this annual tradition.
But once the parades have passed, those colorful strands don’t just disappear—they often end up tangled in the branches of our beloved trees. Last year, Bayou Tree Service removed over 300 pounds of beads from a single tree. Now, imagine how many more are still hanging from trees along the parade routes- especially our iconic Avenue!
While our mature trees are often more resilient, leftover beads can cause real harm. They can weigh down branches, girdle limbs, and even break the structure of younger trees. Over time, this kind of stress weakens our urban canopy, making trees more vulnerable to disease, pests, and future damage.
“An established live oak has more than just its iconic aesthetics along the avenue, and the loss of an individual tree has a significant impact on our urban canopy,” says arborist Scott Harlamert, who works closely with the St. Charles Avenue Association. “It is important to know these oaks are coming up on a century of age. If they have to be replaced, there is no short-term solution—it will take decades to have another established oak.” The trees lining St. Charles Avenue are more than just scenery—they are a vital part of the city’s ecosystem, providing shade, stormwater management, and a sense of place.
The St. Charles Avenue Association (SCAA) and Bayou Tree Service share a dedication to preserving the beauty and vitality of the historic oak-lined linear park. Through their partnership, they work to protect and maintain the iconic trees that define St. Charles Avenue, ensuring their health and longevity for future generations. With expert tree care, proactive maintenance, and a shared commitment to urban canopy preservation, SCAA and Bayou Tree Service strive to keep this cherished landscape thriving. Together, they uphold the legacy of St. Charles Avenue, balancing historic preservation with sustainable tree care practices.
Partnering with the St. Charles Avenue Association
The St. Charles Avenue Association (SCAA) is dedicated to protecting and maintaining the hundreds of live oaks that define the Avenue, many of which date back more than two centuries. “One of the missions of the St. Charles Avenue Association is to preserve the wonderful canopy of oak trees along St. Charles Avenue,” adds Ned Bergin, SCAA President. “This canopy, with the beautiful homes, the median strip, and the historic streetcar, makes the Avenue a beautiful linear park. We monitor and report those who cut down trees without authorization. We also raise funds to cover the cost of maintaining the trees, removing dead trees and stumps, and planting new trees.” 
Through our many years of partnership with SCAA, we’ve shared a commitment to ensuring that the beauty and history of these trees remain at the heart of New Orleans’ landscape. As Odom Heebe puts it, “Tourists come to see the Avenue, and the health and appearance of the trees are both important to the City as a whole.” Together, we are working to preserve these iconic oaks for both locals and visitors alike, ensuring they continue to shape the spirit of our city for generations to come.
To further protect our live oaks, Bayou Tree Service is proud to partner with the SCAA. During this fun and exciting time for our city, we are implementing fencing and tree protection signs along the Avenue to help keep beads and other debris away from the trees. These measures will provide an extra layer of defense, ensuring that our historic oaks remain healthy and strong for generations to come.
At Bayou Tree Service, our team of certified arborists works year-round to support healthy growth, carefully pruning and maintaining these trees to keep them thriving. New Orleans wouldn’t be the same without its iconic live oaks, and we’re dedicated to making sure they continue to line our streets and shade our celebrations for years to come. 
How Can You Help?
Another way to support the protection of our live oaks is by donating to or becoming a member of the St. Charles Avenue Association. You can contribute to their efforts by donating here. This organization plays a crucial role in caring for the trees and ensuring they remain a lasting part of our city’s landscape.
Fencing and tree protection signage during this time of year—as well as being a conscientious citizen—can make a big difference. Don’t grab beads from trees, don’t climb them, avoid hanging out on their roots, and never throw leftover beads into the branches. These simple actions help protect the longevity and health of our cherished live oaks.
This Mardi Gras, let’s keep the party going without hurting our trees. Be mindful of where your beads land, and together, we can preserve the beauty and history of New Orleans for years to come!
To Donate to St. Charles Avenue Association: click here
To Plant, Prune, or Preserve your trees: click here
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Contact:
Madison Stansberry, Arborist #25-2930, Bayou Tree Service
504.837.8733| www.bayoutree.com
