The large banyan tree in front of the Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has filled back in with a healthy canopy, months after a deep freeze forced Disney’s horticulture team into a round of heavy pruning. We stopped by the Asia section of the park on a recent visit and found the tree looking excellent, well along the path to full recovery. Here’s a closer look.
Yak & Yeti’s Banyan Tree Recovers From Deep Freeze Damage
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- The Yak & Yeti banyan tree has filled back in with a healthy canopy months after emergency pruning
- The recovery follows a stretch of bare, cut-back branches following pruning earlier this year
- Disney’s horticulture team has been managing deep freeze recovery across Animal Kingdom and beyond
Exciting Turnaround for an Animal Kingdom Landmark
The tree sits at one of the more photographed spots in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, its roots wrapped around broken stone just outside Yak & Yeti’s entrance. Before the freeze, it stood full and lush, casting deep shade over the plaza below. Here’s a look back at the tree before the deep freeze and necessary pruning.
By late April 2026, crews had cut the tree back to bare branches. Only small clusters of new leaves were emerging near the tips. The pruning was extensive. It changed the tree’s silhouette entirely, trading a dense canopy for a skeletal frame of exposed limbs. That said, it was a necessary move if Disney wanted the tree to return to its former glory.
From Bare Branches to Healthy Canopy
On our recent visit, we noticed that the tree has filled back in wonderfully, with dense green growth now covering branches that were bare just a few months ago. The tree remains one of the more distinctive landmarks in the Asia section. Its recovery is a good sign for the other mature trees nearby that received similar pruning.
The shape of the tree still shows stunted branches as a result of the pruning, but the foliage has filled in to create a lush canopy. It’s wonderful to see the hard work of the horticulture team paying off, with guests enjoying the PhotoPass spot at the base of the tree.
Story So Far
- April 30th, 2026: Disney’s horticulture team began an extensive pruning of the Yak & Yeti banyan tree and other nearby trees, as we reported when Disney World continued its efforts to save trees following the deep freeze.
- July 2026: The tree has filled back in with a healthy canopy, showing strong signs of recovery months after pruning.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!