Central Park has sadly chopped down the “Furever Tree,” a beloved pet memorial

Central Park has lost one of its most secret—and sweetest—traditions. The so-called “Furever Tree,” an 18-foot Hinoki false cypress tucked deep inside the Ramble, has been cut down after more than four decades of service as New York’s unofficial pet memorial.

For years, dog owners, cat lovers and even squirrel enthusiasts flocked to the tree every holiday season to hang laminated photos, ornaments and notes for four-legged friends no longer with us. It was a shrine, a Christmas tree and a community hug rolled into one. Milo the “Good Boy,” Sherman the turtle and countless city dogs all had their spot on its branches.

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But after months of decline, the Central Park Conservancy quietly removed the tree in August. “It was clear the tree had died due to a combination of environmental stress and wear on the landscape,” a Conservancy spokesperson confirmed to West Side Rag. Translation: drought, rough winters soil compaction, and—yes—possibly too much love.

Adding to the problem? Ashes. In recent years, a sign appeared near the tree pleading with visitors not to scatter pet remains at its roots, warning that “ashes are toxic to the tree.” Some caretakers now believe that practice may have accelerated its demise. One longtime visitor, Peggy Fields Goldstein, put it bluntly: “The pet memorial tree…apparently was the demise of that beautiful evergreen tree. It was loved to death.”

The loss stings particularly hard for Marianne Larsen, the tree’s unofficial “Keeper,” who along with fellow volunteer Larry Closs has helped tend the memorial for years. “For 45 years, the Furever Tree has been a healing place for pet owners to remember, honor and celebrate their beloved pets,” they said, adding that they’re already exploring ways to keep the tradition alive.

The Conservancy echoed that commitment, promising to work with the community on a “thoughtful, sustainable alternative” that won’t compromise the park’s landscape. Which means there’s hope that, someday, a new tree or memorial might sprout to take its place.

Until then, New Yorkers will have to say goodbye to one of the city’s quirkiest, most heartfelt holiday rituals. The Ramble may still be full of winding paths and secret corners—but one of its best-kept secrets has gone to the great dog park in the sky.