Unique Tree History

Every once and a while I come across a tree related article that makes me appreciate the role trees play as part of our community history, in some cases in quite a shocking fashion. This particular tree's backstory has all the elements of a great yarn including: History, Terrifying Name and the Macabre. The tree uniquely dubbed "The Devil Tree" is actually located in St. Lucie County within the Oak Hammock Park. While there is nothing sinister appearance wise with the Live Oak, its past history is both alarming and enlightening. Associations with Florida's first serial murderer along with numerous attempts throughout the years to burn/cut down the tree only add to its allure. 

Image used courtesy of www.wierdus.com

For additional information on the "Devil Tree", please visit the following websites: 

Weird Florida (weirdus.com)

The Devil's Tree - Clio (theclio.com)

Oak Hammock Park | Park Details | Port St. Lucie (cityofpsl.com)

Fort Lauderdale's Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak Tree (Revision)

The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak tree, located adjacent to the Riverwalk area within Bubier Park, is approaching 250 years and I recently uncovered a trove of information and photographs documenting the tree’s relocation, providing a unique look into the past.

Live Oak Tree: September 1976

The live oak tree was donated to the City by Judge Robert O’Toole in early 1976 at over 200 years old. It was originally located near southeast 1^st avenue and southeast 6^th street in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The tree weighed over 50 tons and had a height of 30-35 feet and an average spread of 50-feet. Its relocation was considered to be the largest successful bare-root transplant of a tree in the world at that time.

The City’s then Urban Forester, Mike Moore, coordinated the relocation and preservation of the live oak tree. It had to be root pruned and braced before transport. The project was a massive undertaking and required coordination from multiple entities including the Florida Forest Service, FPL, Eller Company, Powell Brothers and Koch Towing Company. At one point, the City’s Fire Department was also called in to help free the tree roots from coral rock after a cable snapped during transport. After five months of preparation, over 40 personnel, a flatbed truck, and river barge along with three broken 155 ton steel cables the tree was successfully relocated on September 8, 1976.

On June 27, 1978, the live oak tree was renamed the Bicentennial Live Oak Tree as part of the dedication for the Robert H. Bubier Memorial Park. It was later renamed the Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak Tree, with installation of an official plaque, at a ceremony on September 11, 2002 in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 horrific events. Disney World’s Liberty Tree served as the original inspiration for the plaque dedication and wording as authored by Doug Eagon of the Stiles Corporation.

Today the Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak Tree is still doing fairly well at almost 250 years. Significant work was done to improve the tree’s overall health and vitality after impacts from a storm in August 2017. With such a historic past, the City will continue ongoing tree management efforts to preserve the tree well into the future!

Live Oak Tree: September 1976

Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak Tree Today

Historic Tree Preservation

A lot of factors come into play when determining whether an older/mature/historic tree can or should be preserved. What is the tree's over all condition? What historic significance does the tree possess? What is the tree's risk rating and has there been any recent failure events? What are the goals for the property owner? All of these factors can be part of an overall plan or decision regarding whether a older/historic tree can or should be preserved. In the below article such a scenario is currently occurring regarding a historic Live Oak tree in Lakeland Florida. The "Lover's Oak" is a 150 year old Live Oak tree that recently experienced a failure event and is at the heart of a discussion on whether it should be removed or not. My colleague Joe Samnik and his team are evaluating the tree to come up with preservation options which may include canopy reduction. To learn more about this tree please visit the following web link:

Photograph taken of the Lover's Oak after Hurricane Irma. Image used courtesy of The Ledger.

http://www.theledger.com/news/20180306/arborist-lakelands-famous-lovers-oak-at-least-150-years-old---20-years-older-than-city-itself

Historic Magnolia Tree Being Removed at the White House

I recently came across an article mentioning that a historic Magnolia tree was being removed at the White House. The tree in question a large leaf Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) was originally planted by Andrew Jackson back in 1829 and can also be found on the back of the $20 bill circa 1928-1998. The tree ultimately failed due to a combination of old age, decay and structural instability. At the end there simply wasn't enough sound wood left to justify keeping the tree in place due to its risk of failing and causing damage to people or property.The tree was 190 years old well past its normal lifespan; a testament to the critical care it has received over the years from arboricultural experts. When considering trees planted on your property keep in mind that you can extend their lifespan through proper tree pruning, maintenance, planting the right tree in the right place and using an ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Consulting Arborist to conduct an annual inspection. For the full article please see the weblink below:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/home/ct-life-sun-0121-garden-morton-20180117-story.html

Fort Lauderdale's Historic Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak Tree

I recently uncovered a trove of historical information and photographs documenting the relocation of the City's Bicentennial Live Oak tree. The tree was already over 200 years old when it was selected for preservation/relocation by then Fort Lauderdale City Mayor E Clay Shaw and successfully relocated on September 8, 1976. The tree was originally located near the Broward Courthouse before being moved adjacent to the river walk area of Bubier Park/Huizenga Plaza. This tree relocation had many moving parts and required coordination from multiple parties including the Florida Forest Service, FPL, City of Fort Lauderdale, Eller Company, Powell Brothers and Koch Towing Company. The tree was rededicated in 2001 and renamed the Bicentennial Liberty Live Oak tree in memorial of September 11, 2001. Today the tree is approaching 250 years of age and is still doing fairly well at its present location; with some necessary tree pruning, cabling/bracing, insect treatment, root zone remediation and soil sampling completed as of late December 2017. All of the upcoming work will help ensure that the tree continues to thrive and provide shade/enjoyment for City neighbors/visitors for many years to come. 

 

The Liberty Tree

I came across a very interesting article concerning American history as it relates to one tree in particular. The Liberty tree is mentioned quite often in American history (subject of a poem "Liberty Tree" by Thomas Paine) and was a site of many very important protests including the Stamp Act. One of the most telling quotes originated with Thomas Jefferson who stated "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure". The Liberty elm tree was originally located in Boston Massachusetts on the Boston common and was felled in 1775 by British troops. Plans are underway to renovate Liberty Tree Plaza including installation of a new elm tree. To learn more about the history of the Liberty Tree please visit the below web links:

Images used courtesy of Wordpress and Smithsonian.com

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/story-behind-forgotten-symbol-american-revolution-liberty-tree-180959162/

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/educational-resources/article-liberty-tree.shtml

Halloween Lore as It Relates to Trees and Plants

As Halloween is right around the corner I thought it would be fun to bring some of it's tree/plant related history to the front. Many of us have Halloween traditions which have included trick or treating, pumpkin carving and putting up decorations in our trees and yards. But were you aware that most of these traditions are based in history dating back to the Romans and Celtics and the festivals of Samhain and Pamona which celebrated the harvest and Summer's end. Enjoy the below article which delves into much greater detail on the history of Halloween and the influence of trees.

http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/seasonalgardening/holiday/HalloweenPlantsLore.aspx