Savannah Bananas Hit Headlines: Tree Damage Restoration and DWTS Collaboration

Tree Damage: Construction in February 2026 caused root damage and soil compaction to nine live oak trees at Daffin Park. The city describes the conditions as 'already very poor growing conditions' and has installed bollards to protect them.,Why this matters: Live oaks are iconic symbols of Savannah—featured in the city’s public school system and library logos. Savannah City Manager Jay Melder called them 'golden natural resources.' The incident has prompted a review of how the city permits construction near these trees.,DWTS Collaboration: Emma Slater, partnered with Bananas infielder Jackson Olson for Season 35 of DWTS, performed with the team at Grayson Stadium to a song from 'The Greatest Showman.' The season features a rare double elimination in the first week.,Community Response: The Savannah Bananas are waiting to hear from the city on how they can assist in the restoration. The team has expressed a commitment to being good partners going forward.,Historical Context: Some of the damaged live oaks are older than the city itself, highlighting the delicate balance between development and preservation in Savannah.

The dual storylines surrounding the Savannah Bananas illustrate how a single organization can find itself at the center of community concern and celebrity buzz simultaneously.

### Tree Restoration Efforts In February 2026, construction of the Bananas’ new training facility inadvertently damaged nine live oak trees near Grayson Stadium. The damage included root compression and gravel intrusion, leading to poor soil quality. Savannah City Manager Jay Melder noted that the construction mishap exceeded the scope of the original permit, prompting immediate remediation. The city’s plan involves blocking off 19,000 square feet of parking lot area, adding organic material, decompacting the soil, and removing gravel. Bollards have been installed as physical barriers.

> “The trees needed protecting regardless of the work that was happening there,” Melder said, adding that this incident forces a broader rethink—including decades-old practices of parking vehicles near specimen oak trees.

### The DWTS Connection On a completely different front, the Bananas are getting nationwide TV exposure. 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 35 premieres on ABC with a two-night event (September 15–16). Pro dancer Emma Slater, paired with Bananas infielder Jackson Olson, performed with the Bananas team at Grayson Stadium to "Rewrite the Stars." Olson is known for his social media presence and baseball insights, making him a relatable contestant. The season promises high drama with a double elimination immediately after the premiere—a format not used since 2018.

### Why This Combination Matters These two stories underscore the Bananas’ unique role in Savannah: they are both a source of civic pride and a potential stressor on local infrastructure. The tree damage has sparked a community conversation about preserving natural heritage amid growth, while the DWTS feature highlights the evolution of sports entertainment—turning minor league baseball players into national personalities.

Do you think the city should ban parking near specimen oak trees? Share your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re tuning into DWTS this season, let us know who your early favorites are!

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Sources: - [WSAV: Live oak trees impacted by construction at Grayson Stadium](https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/live-oak-trees-impacted-by-construction-at-grayson-stadium-city-spokesperson-says/?ref=yanuki.com) - [WTOC: City works to restore live oaks damaged by Savannah Bananas construction](https://www.wtoc.com/2026/09/15/city-works-restore-live-oaks-damaged-by-savannah-bananas-construction/?ref=yanuki.com) - [Deadline: 'DWTS' Pro Emma Slater Performs With Savannah Bananas](https://deadline.com/2026/09/dwts-pro-emma-slater-performs-savannah-bananas-1237100323/?ref=yanuki.com)