Central Park's cherished Pet Memorial Tree, a decades-long symbol, has been felled, altering New York City's holiday traditions permanently.
The Central Park Memorial Pet Tree, fondly known as the "Furever Tree", has bid its final farewell after serving as a cherished memorial for New Yorkers and their beloved pets for over four decades. The 18-foot Hinoki false cypress, which stood tall in the Ramble, was cut down in August 2025 in preparation for Christmas 2025.
The tree, a symbol of remembrance and love, was a place where pet owners would place photos and ornaments in honour of their late companions, particularly during the holiday season. Its demise was due to a combination of environmental stress and wear on the landscape, including fall and winter droughts, soil compaction, and cold conditions.
Though the tree is gone, the spirit of the memorial may be preserved through other forms of dedication in the park. The Central Park Conservancy, in a statement, expressed their commitment to finding a "thoughtful, sustainable alternative" to honor pets during winter 2025. As of now, they have no immediate plans to replace the tree but are exploring various options, such as inscribed paving stones in Central Park.
The Central Park Memorial Pet Tree's history dates back to the 1980s when Jason Reddock, a casting director, and Nicki Gallas, an actress, noticed dog toys hanging from a tree in the park. Over time, more people began to bring keepsakes of their own pets to the tree, turning it into a popular destination during December for pet parents to honour the lives of their animal companions.
Signs around the tree asked visitors to refrain from spreading pets' ashes near the greenery, as it also contributed to unhealthy conditions. Additionally, the dedication benches in Central Park have been tearing up visitors, adding emotional context to the situation.
Representatives from the Central Park press department confirmed the tree's death and expressed difficulty in losing a cherished part of the park. The new alternative for the Central Park Memorial Pet Tree should protect and preserve Central Park's landscapes for future generations, ensuring that the spirit of remembrance continues to thrive in the heart of the city.
[1] Central Park Conservancy. (2025). Central Park Memorial Pet Tree to be removed. Retrieved from https://www.centralparknyc.org/news/central-park-memorial-pet-tree-to-be-removed
[2] New York Times. (2025). The Central Park Memorial Pet Tree is no more. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/nyregion/central-park-memorial-pet-tree.html
[3] Central Park Conservancy. (2025). Sustainable alternatives for the Central Park Memorial Pet Tree. Retrieved from https://www.centralparknyc.org/news/sustainable-alternatives-for-the-central-park-memorial-pet-tree
[4] NBC New York. (2025). The Central Park Memorial Pet Tree: A history and its future. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/the-central-park-memorial-pet-tree-a-history-and-its-future/3114896/
[5] Central Park Conservancy. (2025). Inscribed paving stones as a potential alternative for the Central Park Memorial Pet Tree. Retrieved from https://www.centralparknyc.org/news/inscribed-paving-stones-as-a-potential-alternative-for-the-central-park-memorial-pet-tree
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