Live Oak trees are as symbolic to the Teche Area and the Deep South as cacti are to the desert.

In an effort to keep that symbolism alive, the Optimist Club of New Iberia is trying to save an historic Live Oak tree that stands on Freyou Road alongside U.S. 90.

The tree is estimated to be between 120 and 150 years old and is slated for removal sometime next year by the state Department of Transportation and Development as part of a frontage road project for U.S. 90.

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“Live Oak trees are quite long-lived in our local ecosystems and therefore form one of the dominant plant species here,” said Susan Hester Edmunds, Optimist Club president in a letter to DOTD. “Live Oaks are one of the most recommended by arborists for homeowners to plant as protection from hurricane winds and to help diffuse flooding from storm surges.”

But the trees’ helpful and practical aspects are not the only reasons the club is trying to save the tree, which has a trunk of almost 21 feet around and a 104-foot canopy spread.

“Culturally, they are fodder for storytellers and writers alike and have become a cornerstone for our culture,” Edmunds said. “They are dominant in our landscape and in our minds and relationships with each other.”

DOTD District Administrator Bill Fontenot said he understands the concern about the tree, and said he has heard from other local conservation groups that would like to save it as well.

“Since an interest has been raised and an effort has been made to conserve the tree, we’ll certainly look at viable alternatives,” Fontenot said.

DOTD engineers must consider rights of way, distance from U.S. 90 and strict rules that must be followed when roads are improved to interstate standards, Fontenot said.

“There’s no guarantees that the tree will be preserved, but the road won’t be built for a year, so there’s time to look at options,” Fontenot said.

A small group of club members and the homeowners who live near the tree, Kelli and Nicholas Peltier, met at the tree Friday and named it Mr. Al.

Mr. Al has also been named a member of the Live Oak Society, which includes large, historic Live Oak trees.

“The tree is old and pretty, and we don’t want to see it go,” said Kelli Peltier. “We’ll do what we can to try and save it. Right now, we’re in a wait and see phase.”

The Optimist Club plants a tree every year as part of its Arbor Day that has been declared by the organization. “This year when the issue was brought to our attention, we decided that instead of just planting a tree, we’ll try to save a tree,” Edmunds said. “You can’t plant a 150-year-old tree.”