A 120 foot tree believed to be one of the oldest Black Oaks in the Eastern U.S. was cut down in Rochester's Cobbs Hill Park today.
Peter Debes of The Friends of Washington Grove says the tree has survived two lightning strikes and that has taken its toll over the years. "Gradually over the years it rots at its core. So while this may be the largest and oldest Black Oak in the Eastern U.S. it has very little structural strength left and is leaning toward the street and the power lines, and so unfortunately it has to be taken down."
Debes says it is believed the tree is at least two hundred years old, but they won't know for sure until a section near the six foot base is cut and the rings can be counted. "Those of us who have been working with the grove are saddened because it is such a magnificent tree. It has a beautiful crown with spreading branches. Also, this is where three main oaks up here, red black and white, and this being the oldest Black Oak, it was something we really treasured."
He says the grove, near the Cobbs Hill Reservoir, is home to approximately fifty oaks that are believed to be two centuries old.
