The "Monkey Trees" at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma/NPS

Though damaged by a tornado that touched down in Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma back in April, the "Monkey Tree" is expected to recover, though with a little help from arborists.

The unique tree, an Osage orange tree estimated to be about 130 years old, features three thick spreading trunks that generations of children have played on.

“The trees in the park are a very important part of our historic landscape,” said park biologist Julie Hoffman. “Many trees were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and many trees that were already here were incorporated into their landscape designs.”

While the Monkey Tree did sustain damage when the tornado touched down on April 27 south of Veterans Lake in the NRA and traveled northeast for nearly 1.5 miles, it's expected to survive. Most trees in the tornado’s path were uprooted or had their canopies sheared off. Very few were left unscathed. Approximately 2,000 trees were destroyed with many more damaged.

In assessing the damage to the Monkey Tree, arborists had a surprise to reveal.

“Upon close examination, the arborists discovered the Monkey Tree isn’t just one tree,” said Hoffman. “What we thought was a main trunk with two large, sprawling limbs turns out to be three different trees. It’s hard to say if they all sprouted from the same osage orange fruit, or if the two that sprawled out to the sides are perhaps just a bit younger. The center tree had the best advantage and grew upright, and the two others were forced to grow away from it to get the sunshine they needed to survive.”

The center tree is still in good condition, but the two outer trees are damaged and need long-term care. The Walnut Grove Picnic Area is still closed to the public as tornado cleanup continues and initial care for the Monkey Trees takes place.

The two outer trees will have supports added under key points to keep them from touching the ground, which will reduce the chances of rot or insect infestations. Any dead limbs and branches will be removed to reduce weight and stress on the trunks as they heal.

The soil around the base of the trees will be aerated and mulch will be added this fall to help the root systems of the two outer trees better receive water and nutrients. To keep soil from being compacted and to keep weight off the limbs, a chain link fence will be installed around the Monkey Trees before the area is reopened in order to give it the rest it needs.

In time, park staff hopes that the Monkey Tree will be one again be able to embrace a new generation of children to play under its canopy and swing from its branches. It may be many years however before it is ready for them.