Community Corner

Topiary Deer Art May Need Replacing, Parks Officials Say

Mercer Island parks officials say the topiary deer art is reportedly not adjusting well to the dry, sandy Lid Park soil.

Mercer Island's decorative topiary deer art is reportedly not adjusting well to the dry, sandy Lid Park soil and might need to be replaced, according to parks department officials.

City Parks Superintendent Jason Kintner responded to an earlier photo of a thirsty-looking deer topiary on Tuesday with an update on the condition of the public art.

"We have been noticing a decline in the topiary health for a while now, and have implemented a number of measures in response," he said. "Part of the challenge is keeping the really sandy soil fill on this part of the Lid saturated properly. 

"We've got a maintenance crew that hand waters these deer each week (approx 70 gallons directly), to supplement the nightly sprinkler watering that area receives. In addition, we've introduced a slow release fertilizer to promote foliage growth, and applied a stimulant directly to the root system to promote root growth (which will improve water uptake).  Unfortunately, at the end of the day, not all plants survive planting, and we plan ahead for those outcomes," Kintner said.

The three topiary sculptures cost the city $4,500 last year (including shipping and handling), and cost $750 annually to maintain.


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