What are the Ages of Trees in Your Neighborhood?:
By John F. Dwyer, Research Associate
The Morton Arboretum
Trees are often a distinctive feature of the urban landscape. Large trees are especially prominent, have a particularly significant influence on the urban landscape, and symbolize permanence amid change. We are curious about the age of these venerable giants as an indication of the history they have witnessed. Their ages also offer a clue to their significance by indicating how long we might have to wait for a replacement tree to reach their size.
To get some indication of the age of urban trees, Kerstin Von der Heide, Forester, Village of Downers Grove, Illinois measured tree diameters (4.5 feet above the ground) and counted the number of annual rings on the stumps of 328 trees representing 24 species removed from along village streets. The oldest was a 167-year-old white oak that measured 26.2 inches in diameter. All trees older than 135 years were white oak or burr oak. The largest tree measured was a 52.2 inch American elm 110 years old. Other trees over 40' in diameter were willow, green ash, or honeylocust.
Showing posts with label champion trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label champion trees. Show all posts
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
DC's Casey Trees, Arlington County, VA government recognize notable trees in metro area; Washington, DC
Noble Honor Takes Root - washingtonpost.com:
The program rewards three categories: Big Trees, Witness Trees (of historic significance), and My Tree (of personal significance). Currently the Big Trees designation includes one national champion, a Jujube (Ziziphus jujube) located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Its trunk has a 93-inch circumference. The 61-foot tall tree also has a spread of 51 feet.
All winners of the Trees of Note designation will be included on the Casey Trees online map. 'The [geocaching] course will change biannualy to feature different or new trees, different neighborhoods and seasonal changes,' Powell said. 'We hope the geocaching element will introduce individuals to urban forestry and the importance of trees in city living and encourage individuals to see the District as not just a brick and mortar city.'
The program rewards three categories: Big Trees, Witness Trees (of historic significance), and My Tree (of personal significance). Currently the Big Trees designation includes one national champion, a Jujube (Ziziphus jujube) located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Its trunk has a 93-inch circumference. The 61-foot tall tree also has a spread of 51 feet.
All winners of the Trees of Note designation will be included on the Casey Trees online map. 'The [geocaching] course will change biannualy to feature different or new trees, different neighborhoods and seasonal changes,' Powell said. 'We hope the geocaching element will introduce individuals to urban forestry and the importance of trees in city living and encourage individuals to see the District as not just a brick and mortar city.'
Friday, October 2, 2009
Trees get last laugh - swamp devestated by Hugo now home to six national champion trees; Eastover, SC
Swamp regenerates after storm - Neighbors - The State:
Hurricane Hugo blew down one of the biggest trees in America, located on an oak ridge in the Congaree swamp. For years after the storm, the shumard oak lay there, rotting.
The last traces of it are surely gone by now, said John Cely, who worked for the state Department of Natural Resources for 26 years and knows the swamp as well as anyone.
Since then, other big trees have stretched toward the clouds.
Now, there are six national champion species in the 26,000-acre swamp, said Vic Shelbourne, a Clemson professor who's the one South Carolinian responsible for keeping track of record-setting trees.
Hurricane Hugo blew down one of the biggest trees in America, located on an oak ridge in the Congaree swamp. For years after the storm, the shumard oak lay there, rotting.
The last traces of it are surely gone by now, said John Cely, who worked for the state Department of Natural Resources for 26 years and knows the swamp as well as anyone.
Since then, other big trees have stretched toward the clouds.
Now, there are six national champion species in the 26,000-acre swamp, said Vic Shelbourne, a Clemson professor who's the one South Carolinian responsible for keeping track of record-setting trees.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Amazing Tree Quest finds remarkable trees, but one massive contender is lost in recent storm; London, Ontario, Canada
London Free Press - Local News- Tree contest dampened by loss of two winners:
Sat, September 26, 2009
Winners of 11 categories were announced yesterday
By JONATHAN SHER
A contest that celebrated London's claim to the forest city moniker has shown how tenuous that connection has become -- one of 11 winners fell in a summer storm and a second was damaged by a city hall mishap.
Reforest London yesterday announced the winners of its Amazing Tree Quest, an effort that has drawn praise from environmentalists and the city's urban forester.
But only the shell of a trunk remains of a massive tree that garnered the most votes of support -- 82 -- and won the people's choice award.
The cottonwood tree fell during a storm from its sentinel position overlooking the forks of the Thames in the yard of Nancy Campbell private school, leaving children to play in the hollowed out trunk.
'It's a sad story,' said Julie Ryan of ReForest London.
Sat, September 26, 2009
Winners of 11 categories were announced yesterday
By JONATHAN SHER
A contest that celebrated London's claim to the forest city moniker has shown how tenuous that connection has become -- one of 11 winners fell in a summer storm and a second was damaged by a city hall mishap.
Reforest London yesterday announced the winners of its Amazing Tree Quest, an effort that has drawn praise from environmentalists and the city's urban forester.
But only the shell of a trunk remains of a massive tree that garnered the most votes of support -- 82 -- and won the people's choice award.
The cottonwood tree fell during a storm from its sentinel position overlooking the forks of the Thames in the yard of Nancy Campbell private school, leaving children to play in the hollowed out trunk.
'It's a sad story,' said Julie Ryan of ReForest London.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
UGA grads form New Urban Forestry tree care firm, donate time to preserve landmark trees; Athens, GA
UGA grads donate time to preserve local landmarks | News | OnlineAthens.com
By BLAKE AUED | blake.aued@onlineathens.com | Story updated at 11:31 pm on 7/7/2009
A registry of landmark trees in Athens has grown to nearly 1,000 in four years, and a new local forestry service is looking to push the number even higher.
New Urban Forestry, started last year by two University of Georgia graduates, has volunteered this year to do free preservation work on five trees listed on the Athens-Clarke government's official registry of landmark trees.
'Having this designation allows folks to see these trees in a different light,' New Urban Forestry co-founder Kevin Hamman said.
Hamman and business partner John Ritzler said they spend most of their time caring for and managing nonlandmark trees for profit. But along the way, they encourage tree owners to register their unusually large or otherwise noteworthy trees with the county and work to ensure future generations can enjoy them.
By BLAKE AUED | blake.aued@onlineathens.com | Story updated at 11:31 pm on 7/7/2009
A registry of landmark trees in Athens has grown to nearly 1,000 in four years, and a new local forestry service is looking to push the number even higher.
New Urban Forestry, started last year by two University of Georgia graduates, has volunteered this year to do free preservation work on five trees listed on the Athens-Clarke government's official registry of landmark trees.
'Having this designation allows folks to see these trees in a different light,' New Urban Forestry co-founder Kevin Hamman said.
Hamman and business partner John Ritzler said they spend most of their time caring for and managing nonlandmark trees for profit. But along the way, they encourage tree owners to register their unusually large or otherwise noteworthy trees with the county and work to ensure future generations can enjoy them.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Contest reveals Cedar Rapids as hotspot for state champion trees; Cedar Rapids, IA
Seven Cedar Rapids trees may be tops in Iowa | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
By Rick Smith
The Gazette
rick.smith@gazettecommunications.com
Cedar Rapids' just-completed championship tree contest may provide Sherrie Nelsen her greatest defense against the frightful march of the ash-tree-killing emerald ash borer.
The towering black ash in Nelsen’s backyard at 1612 Maplewood Dr. NE is the city’s champion tree of its species and, according to a preliminary comparison with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources champion tree list, ranks as the state’s champion black ash, too.
The city’s contest also has identified six other Cedar Rapids champion trees — Amur corktree, arborvitae, Ponderosa pine, red pine, American Larch and scarlet red oak — that appear to top Iowa’s list of champion trees for their species, reports City Arborist Daniel Gibbins. He says another 23 of 77 contest entries rank in the state’s top 10 of their species.
By Rick Smith
The Gazette
rick.smith@gazettecommunications.com
Cedar Rapids' just-completed championship tree contest may provide Sherrie Nelsen her greatest defense against the frightful march of the ash-tree-killing emerald ash borer.
The towering black ash in Nelsen’s backyard at 1612 Maplewood Dr. NE is the city’s champion tree of its species and, according to a preliminary comparison with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources champion tree list, ranks as the state’s champion black ash, too.
The city’s contest also has identified six other Cedar Rapids champion trees — Amur corktree, arborvitae, Ponderosa pine, red pine, American Larch and scarlet red oak — that appear to top Iowa’s list of champion trees for their species, reports City Arborist Daniel Gibbins. He says another 23 of 77 contest entries rank in the state’s top 10 of their species.
Monday, June 29, 2009
SWCD searching for largest white oak tree in Pike County; Pike County, OH
SWCD searching for largest white oak tree in Pike County | chillicothegazette.com | Chillicothe Gazette
June 28, 2009
In an effort to encourage landowners and others interested in trees, the Pike Soil and Water Conservation District is conducting a contest in search of the largest white oak tree in Pike County.
On a statewide basis, the Ohio Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the International Paper Co., conducts the state Big Tree Program. According to the division, the national Big Tree Registry of 826 big trees is maintained by American Forests, a conservation organization based in Washington, D.C.
On the local level, the goal of the district's program is to engage individuals with an interest in Ohio's forest resource in the search of the largest white oak tree, and to reward the individual who finds the largest specimen of this particular species.
June 28, 2009
In an effort to encourage landowners and others interested in trees, the Pike Soil and Water Conservation District is conducting a contest in search of the largest white oak tree in Pike County.
On a statewide basis, the Ohio Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the International Paper Co., conducts the state Big Tree Program. According to the division, the national Big Tree Registry of 826 big trees is maintained by American Forests, a conservation organization based in Washington, D.C.
On the local level, the goal of the district's program is to engage individuals with an interest in Ohio's forest resource in the search of the largest white oak tree, and to reward the individual who finds the largest specimen of this particular species.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Project Canopy recognizes champion tree, gives grant for urban fruit orchard; Madison, ME
Whopper poplar at Lakewood
BY DOUG HARLOW
Staff Writer
06/22/2009
MADISON -- Tomatoes.
For the past few years, that is what Madison has been known for, with its massive greenhouses at Backyard Farms.
Now it's trees.
"I think it's kind of a funny thing, we grow tomatoes and we grow trees," said the town's Economic Development Director Joy Hikel.
The town of Madison has been recognized by the Maine Forest Service's Project Canopy as having the biggest balsam poplar tree in the state and is the recipient of a Project Canopy grant for a fruit orchard in the downtown business district.
There it is, right there on the 2009-10 Maine Register of Big Trees Web site: Poplar, balsam, Madison, Maine.
BY DOUG HARLOW
Staff Writer
06/22/2009
MADISON -- Tomatoes.
For the past few years, that is what Madison has been known for, with its massive greenhouses at Backyard Farms.
Now it's trees.
"I think it's kind of a funny thing, we grow tomatoes and we grow trees," said the town's Economic Development Director Joy Hikel.
The town of Madison has been recognized by the Maine Forest Service's Project Canopy as having the biggest balsam poplar tree in the state and is the recipient of a Project Canopy grant for a fruit orchard in the downtown business district.
There it is, right there on the 2009-10 Maine Register of Big Trees Web site: Poplar, balsam, Madison, Maine.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Heritage tree program provides protection to important trees; Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Heritage above our heads - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA
Magnificent old trees carry reminders of the past and hope for the future
Posted By DREW MONKMAN
There is a colossal burr oak on Homewood Avenue in Peterborough that has many a story to tell. Estimated at 200 to 300 years old, it has witnessed no less than the entire history of our city, from the time of the first settlers to the present era. Before that, it would have also observed the comings and goings of native people who used this area for hunting and fishing. Its corky, fire-resistant bark would have allowed it to survive the grass fires that these same hunters and fishers set in order to keep the land clear.
This burr oak is a wonderful example of a heritage tree. Heritage trees are not only the oldest trees in an area, but they often have stories of historical significance associated with them. The Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance (OHTA) defines heritage trees as "those that are community landmarks because of their unique physical, cultural and historical significance and that may be at risk unless their importance is recognized." There are provincial guidelines provided by the OHTA, but the responsibility for heritage tree programs ultimately lies with each municipality to implement or not, and to decide what qualifies as a heritage tree for that municipality. Peterborough does not as of yet have a heritage tree program.
Magnificent old trees carry reminders of the past and hope for the future
Posted By DREW MONKMAN
There is a colossal burr oak on Homewood Avenue in Peterborough that has many a story to tell. Estimated at 200 to 300 years old, it has witnessed no less than the entire history of our city, from the time of the first settlers to the present era. Before that, it would have also observed the comings and goings of native people who used this area for hunting and fishing. Its corky, fire-resistant bark would have allowed it to survive the grass fires that these same hunters and fishers set in order to keep the land clear.
This burr oak is a wonderful example of a heritage tree. Heritage trees are not only the oldest trees in an area, but they often have stories of historical significance associated with them. The Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance (OHTA) defines heritage trees as "those that are community landmarks because of their unique physical, cultural and historical significance and that may be at risk unless their importance is recognized." There are provincial guidelines provided by the OHTA, but the responsibility for heritage tree programs ultimately lies with each municipality to implement or not, and to decide what qualifies as a heritage tree for that municipality. Peterborough does not as of yet have a heritage tree program.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Pupils inspired in Treasured Tree Hunt; Ontario, CA
Pupils inspired in Treasured Tree Hunt - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA
Posted By SARAH DEETH/Examiner Staff Writer
A grove of trees next to Otonabee Valley Public School has become a muse of sorts for Carol Patterson-Leclerc’s Grade 2 and 3 class.
To honour the trees, which shade a playground about 20 feet from the classroom window, the class has written a poem and nominated the area for the city’s Treasured Tree Hunt.
The Treasured Tree Hunt began April 20 and closes July 1.
Participants enter by nominating, photographing or writing a story about a tree or group of trees.
Organizers with the Treasured Tree Hunt were at the school yesterday to help pupils measure the trees in their nominated grove.
Posted By SARAH DEETH/Examiner Staff Writer
A grove of trees next to Otonabee Valley Public School has become a muse of sorts for Carol Patterson-Leclerc’s Grade 2 and 3 class.
To honour the trees, which shade a playground about 20 feet from the classroom window, the class has written a poem and nominated the area for the city’s Treasured Tree Hunt.
The Treasured Tree Hunt began April 20 and closes July 1.
Participants enter by nominating, photographing or writing a story about a tree or group of trees.
Organizers with the Treasured Tree Hunt were at the school yesterday to help pupils measure the trees in their nominated grove.
Monday, May 25, 2009
No country for old trees - study finds Yosemite's big, old trees being lost to climate change; Yosemite, CA
BBC - Earth News: Yosemite's giant trees disappear
Matt Walker
Editor, Earth News
No place for old trees (J. A. Lutz)
The oldest and largest trees within California's world famous Yosemite National Park are disappearing.
Climate change appears to be a major cause of the loss.
The revelation comes from an analysis of data collected over 60 years by forest ecologists.
They say one worrying aspect of the decline is that it is happening within one of most protected forests within the US, suggesting that even more large trees may be dying off elsewhere."
Matt Walker
Editor, Earth News
No place for old trees (J. A. Lutz)
The oldest and largest trees within California's world famous Yosemite National Park are disappearing.
Climate change appears to be a major cause of the loss.
The revelation comes from an analysis of data collected over 60 years by forest ecologists.
They say one worrying aspect of the decline is that it is happening within one of most protected forests within the US, suggesting that even more large trees may be dying off elsewhere."
Brattleboro walk features 'treasured trees'; Brattleboro, VT
Brattleboro walk features 'treasured trees' - Brattleboro Reformer:
By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff
Friday, May 22
BRATTLEBORO -- One would think that a road named Oak Street would be lined with oak trees. But in fact, there are only two oak trees left on Oak Street, one of them in the yard of Martha and Tim O'Connor.
At one time, Oak Street was lined with elm and oak trees, said Tim O'Connor.
But the elms succumbed to disease and most of the oaks were felled to make room for sidewalks, he said.
The Treasured Tree Project, which was undertaken by the Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee, was developed to highlight trees around town such as the O'Connors' oak.
The committee designed a map for area residents and visitors that leads them on a 2.25-mile stroll to look at 22 trees, called the Treasured Tree Walk. The members of the Tree Advisory Committee spent two years on the project.
People in the community submitted nominations for trees they thought should be included in the map, said Lynn Levine, project manager.
By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff
Friday, May 22
BRATTLEBORO -- One would think that a road named Oak Street would be lined with oak trees. But in fact, there are only two oak trees left on Oak Street, one of them in the yard of Martha and Tim O'Connor.
At one time, Oak Street was lined with elm and oak trees, said Tim O'Connor.
But the elms succumbed to disease and most of the oaks were felled to make room for sidewalks, he said.
The Treasured Tree Project, which was undertaken by the Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee, was developed to highlight trees around town such as the O'Connors' oak.
The committee designed a map for area residents and visitors that leads them on a 2.25-mile stroll to look at 22 trees, called the Treasured Tree Walk. The members of the Tree Advisory Committee spent two years on the project.
People in the community submitted nominations for trees they thought should be included in the map, said Lynn Levine, project manager.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Yew must be kidding: Tree with a canopy the width of Royal Albert Hall goes into the record books; Staffordshire, England, UK
Yew must be kidding: Tree with a canopy the width of Royal Albert Hall goes into the record books | Mail Online:
By David Derbyshire
Last updated at 6:08 PM on 19th May 2009
A giant yew with a canopy the size of London's Royal Albert Hall has entered the record books as the widest tree in the UK.The champion tree, which has engulfed a National Trust garden, has an amazing crown circumference of almost 200 yards.
Tree experts, who discovered the 350-year-old Yew as part of the Woodland Trust's ancient tree hunt, believe it may even be the widest in Europe.
By David Derbyshire
Last updated at 6:08 PM on 19th May 2009
A giant yew with a canopy the size of London's Royal Albert Hall has entered the record books as the widest tree in the UK.The champion tree, which has engulfed a National Trust garden, has an amazing crown circumference of almost 200 yards.
Tree experts, who discovered the 350-year-old Yew as part of the Woodland Trust's ancient tree hunt, believe it may even be the widest in Europe.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
thewest.com.au reports on what may be largest tree transplant ever; Kings Park, Australia
Relocation to save 80yo tree : thewest.com.au: "Relocation to save 80yo tree
12th May 2009, 10:00 WST
The West Australian
Kings Park arboricultural experts and specialist tree contractors have transplanted what is believed to be one of the original Centennial plantings of Red Flowering Gum trees along Fraser Avenue.
Arborist Jeremy Thomas said he believed the transplanting was a world first.
An 80 tonne crane lifted the tree and passed it to a 25 tonne Franna crane that “walked” the tree along Fraser Avenue to its new location. Earth anchors will be attached to the tree for stability while the tree develops new roots.
“I believe this is the first time such a tree of this species, size and age has ever been transplanted. We are quietly confident that this effort to conserve the Corymbia ficifolia which is around 80 years old will be a success,” Mr Thomas said."
12th May 2009, 10:00 WST
The West Australian
Kings Park arboricultural experts and specialist tree contractors have transplanted what is believed to be one of the original Centennial plantings of Red Flowering Gum trees along Fraser Avenue.
Arborist Jeremy Thomas said he believed the transplanting was a world first.
An 80 tonne crane lifted the tree and passed it to a 25 tonne Franna crane that “walked” the tree along Fraser Avenue to its new location. Earth anchors will be attached to the tree for stability while the tree develops new roots.
“I believe this is the first time such a tree of this species, size and age has ever been transplanted. We are quietly confident that this effort to conserve the Corymbia ficifolia which is around 80 years old will be a success,” Mr Thomas said."
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Proud owners boast of their laurel oak - new NC champion; Pender County, NC; 4/27/09
Pender County residents proud of their family tree WWAY NewsChannel 3 - Wilmington,NC,USA
There is a new title holder in Pender County. It has been around for more than 150 years, but just recently earned state champion recognition.
"I have shown people the tree in pictures and they can't believe it. You have to see it for yourself to grasp just how big it is," said owner Charles Rousey.
Big is an understatement. It is an old oak tree, between 150 & 200 years. The tree can't talk, but oh the stories it could tell if it could. If it could talk, it would tell you it is 85 feet tall and 221 inches around. The canopy of the tree spreads 61 feet from one side to the other.
There is a new title holder in Pender County. It has been around for more than 150 years, but just recently earned state champion recognition.
"I have shown people the tree in pictures and they can't believe it. You have to see it for yourself to grasp just how big it is," said owner Charles Rousey.
Big is an understatement. It is an old oak tree, between 150 & 200 years. The tree can't talk, but oh the stories it could tell if it could. If it could talk, it would tell you it is 85 feet tall and 221 inches around. The canopy of the tree spreads 61 feet from one side to the other.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Famous tree doctor Ribeiro also acts as tree advocate to save hometown trees; Bainbridge Island, WA; 4/22/09
Globe-Trotting Tree Doctor Has Saved Best Work for Bainbridge Kitsap Sun - WA, United States
A plant pathologist for more than 30 years, the Kenyan-born Ribeiro uses Bainbridge as his home base between globe-spanning, tree-saving adventures that have been profiled in The Wall Street Journal and on NBC's "Today" show.
Hes treated the Doomsday Tree, under which the Magna Carta was signed, and provides ongoing care for Britain's Tortworth Chestnut, which is said to have sprouted more than 1,200 years ago.
"How long a tree lives depends on how you treat it," he said.
A plant pathologist for more than 30 years, the Kenyan-born Ribeiro uses Bainbridge as his home base between globe-spanning, tree-saving adventures that have been profiled in The Wall Street Journal and on NBC's "Today" show.
Hes treated the Doomsday Tree, under which the Magna Carta was signed, and provides ongoing care for Britain's Tortworth Chestnut, which is said to have sprouted more than 1,200 years ago.
"How long a tree lives depends on how you treat it," he said.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Champion tree program captures public imagination, information on biggest trees; Snow Hill, MD; 4/22/09
Towering tree earns place in records Baltimore Sun - United States
Tracking big trees is far from a pointless pursuit. Tree size matters, offering clues about the health of species and entire forests. And the rankings foster conservation, enthusiasts say, by giving the owners of record-holders added incentive to keep and care for them.
Of course, bragging rights are nice, too. Maryland boasts 16 national champions or co-champions, half of them in Baltimore, Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties. The state used to have the biggest white oak in the union until the famed Wye Oak toppled in a 2002 storm.Eight Maryland counties maintain their own big tree lists, and in 2006 Maloof teamed with a graduate student named Ronald Lindblom to include neighboring Wicomico County in that group. Precise locations are often kept secret to deter vandalism.
Tracking big trees is far from a pointless pursuit. Tree size matters, offering clues about the health of species and entire forests. And the rankings foster conservation, enthusiasts say, by giving the owners of record-holders added incentive to keep and care for them.
Of course, bragging rights are nice, too. Maryland boasts 16 national champions or co-champions, half of them in Baltimore, Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties. The state used to have the biggest white oak in the union until the famed Wye Oak toppled in a 2002 storm.Eight Maryland counties maintain their own big tree lists, and in 2006 Maloof teamed with a graduate student named Ronald Lindblom to include neighboring Wicomico County in that group. Precise locations are often kept secret to deter vandalism.
Tree Commission Chair lends expertise to Arbor Day celebration; Knoxville, TN; 4/21/09
Knoxville woman uses passion for plants as Arbor Day chairwoman Knoxville News Sentinel - Knoxville,TN,USA
The tree board, as well as the position of city arborist and horticulturist, were established as part of Knoxville’s first tree ordinance in 1992 to combat the loss of tree canopy throughout Knox County.
Urban tree canopies are recognized for reducing air and noise pollution, providing wildlife habitat and enhancing water quality. Every year, the city of Knoxville plants 500 trees, each measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, along city streets. And each year, the city Tree Board, under the direction of Dessa Blair, hosts an Arbor Day celebration featuring the writing and drawing talent of students from area schools.
The tree board, as well as the position of city arborist and horticulturist, were established as part of Knoxville’s first tree ordinance in 1992 to combat the loss of tree canopy throughout Knox County.
Urban tree canopies are recognized for reducing air and noise pollution, providing wildlife habitat and enhancing water quality. Every year, the city of Knoxville plants 500 trees, each measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, along city streets. And each year, the city Tree Board, under the direction of Dessa Blair, hosts an Arbor Day celebration featuring the writing and drawing talent of students from area schools.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Douglas fir crowned Britain's tallest tree; Argyll, Scotland, UK; 2/26/09
Pictured: The 210ft Stronardron Douglas fir that's been crowned ...Daily Mail - UK
It is the height of 15 double decker buses stacked on top of each other and would tower 40ft over Nelson's Column.
This colossal tree - believed to be between 100 to 150 years old - was yesterday named the tallest in Britain.
The Stronardron Douglas Fir already measures 209ft but experts believe there is plenty of growth left in her yet.
It is the height of 15 double decker buses stacked on top of each other and would tower 40ft over Nelson's Column.
This colossal tree - believed to be between 100 to 150 years old - was yesterday named the tallest in Britain.
The Stronardron Douglas Fir already measures 209ft but experts believe there is plenty of growth left in her yet.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Treaty Oak gets a spa day as arborists groom beloved tree; Austin, TX; 1/24/09
Treaty Oak gets a spa day Austin American-Statesman - Austin,TX,USA
The Treaty Oak, a 600-year-old tree legendary as the alleged meeting place for Stephen F. Austin and Native Americans in the 1800s, is in the tree Hall of Fame. It stands 50 feet tall and once had a 120-foot canopy under which Austinites proposed, meditated and prayed. It has been lovingly referred to as "the most perfect specimen of a tree in North America" and is the last of the Council Oaks, a group of trees considered sacred before much of Austin was settled.
The pruning of the tree would normally cost $3,000 to $5,000, Passmore said. Saturday's efforts were donated by arborists with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department's Forestry Program and the International Society of Arboriculture.
The Treaty Oak, a 600-year-old tree legendary as the alleged meeting place for Stephen F. Austin and Native Americans in the 1800s, is in the tree Hall of Fame. It stands 50 feet tall and once had a 120-foot canopy under which Austinites proposed, meditated and prayed. It has been lovingly referred to as "the most perfect specimen of a tree in North America" and is the last of the Council Oaks, a group of trees considered sacred before much of Austin was settled.
The pruning of the tree would normally cost $3,000 to $5,000, Passmore said. Saturday's efforts were donated by arborists with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department's Forestry Program and the International Society of Arboriculture.
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