Silver Dollar City
Davey Tree lent their expertise to Silver Dollar City Theme Park to evaluate the health of their tree canopy near five roller coasters. Davey’s certified arborists identified hazards and prioritized pruning to help mitigate future risks.
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s theme park located near Branson, MO, that houses 12 stage venues, over 40 rides and attractions, 18 award-winning restaurants, 60 shops, and 100 resident craftspeople in the 100-acre park.
The park is centered around Marvel Cave, a limestone cave that was discovered in the 1860s and became an attraction in 1894 because of its natural beauty. Above-ground attractions, including a blacksmith shop, general store, ice cream parlor, doll shop, and a church, were established in 1960 and Silver Dollar City grew into the park it is known as today.
Silver Dollar City prides itself on its natural landscape. The blend of wooded areas and attractions stay in line with the park’s frontier theme. But a tree-covered landscape requires additional care. After searching for a team of ISA-certified arborists, Silver Dollar City started a partnership with Davey Tree to care for the trees on the property.
Precise Pruning For A Safer Park
Davey arborists conducted a priority tree inventory and maintenance report over the course of two days in January 2023. The report evaluated the health, condition, and maintenance needs of trees located near five roller coasters on the property: Thunderation, Time Traveler, Outlaw Run, Powder Keg, and Wildfire.
The arborists focused on trees that posed safety risks to the coaster and visitors or were dead and needed to be removed. Once all hazards were identified, trees were prioritized for maintenance based on risk.
Once the report was complete and a work plan was approved by park management, two Davey crews completed the pruning and removal responsibilities. Trees that required pruning were meticulously trimmed away from roller coaster tracks to stay in compliance with theme park safety protocols.
Since the park is open seasonally, Davey made sure to complete the work before its March opening date.
A Goldmine Of Collaboration
Silver Dollar City and Davey have started a fast-growing, collaborative partnership to meet the park’s tree maintenance goals Davey is slated to care for trees in the same area during the next winter off-season and now performs storm cleanup duties when needed for the park.
Since this effort, Silver Dollar City can confidently assure visitors and thrill seekers of park safety for their 2023 season and beyond.