The cedar tree in front of the Brazos County courthouse is older than the county.

With the tree's life in danger, county commissioners this week were given some suggestions about how to move forward.

County judge Duane Peters says action will be taken at a future meeting.

Jeff Lehde, who is a master arborist, has been keeping tabs on the tree for more than ten years.

Lehde says while the foilage is strong, there is decay in the trunk and the root system and there is only one viable tree limb.

Lehde and Gretchen Riley of the Texas A&M Forest Service called on public input and the involvement of historical preservation organizations.

The chairman of the Brazos County historical commission, Henry Mayo, told commissioners seedlings from the historical tree could be planted on county property.

And when the tree dies, Mayo said don't throw anything away.

The tree was initially recognized in 1841 when the first commissioners court meeting was held in the area of Highway 30 and the Navasota River at what was called Ferguson's Crossing.

The tree was moved in 1867 to its present site in front of the courthouse.