Too Many Storms Take Toll on Area’s Oldest Tree

Tree-lined streets are part of the charm of living in Lake Bluff.

But one red oak tree may command even more attention because of its age.

“It’s always been a special tree,” said Michael Goldsberry, who lives in the 500 block of North Avenue across the street from the tree. “The arborist said it’s the oldest red oak in Lake County. Even as a kid riding my bike down there, I remember seeing that tree. I’ll miss it for sure”

The tree is not only tagged as the oldest tree in Lake County, estimated to be more than 200 years old, but it also is the largest at 85 inches in diameter and with a 17-foot circumference.

It has been in the process of dying for 100 years as its trunk hollowed out over time, according to Daryl Krumsee, who has lived next door to the red oak for 15 years. The tree is known to be a Native American trail marker.

Monday’s storm was more than the old tree could take, twisting its hollowed out trunk and making it a danger to surrounding houses.

“It had a split up the side from the storm that was getting bigger by the hour,” Krumsee said.

Her family left the house because they could see the tree twisting in the wind from the second floor.

After the storm, Krumsee located a police officer and told him the family feared that the tree would fall. Crew from Nels J. Johnson Tree Experts came out to examine the tree and determined it could not be saved.

Nels “wouldn’t tear down a tree he didn’t have to,” Krumsee said. “It’s too bad. Nobody wanted to see it come down. It was a neighborhood staple. It was a huge draw when we bought the house and it shaded the whole neighborhood, so it’ll be weird when it’s gone.”

Cassedy Krumsee, 15, said the family plans to plant a new red oak in its place.

“It was a great home to many animals. There was a big owl that lived in the tree,” she said. Chipmunks and squirrels also lived in the hollow.

The tree sits in resident Julie Martin’s front yard. “We moved in here and fell in love with that tree,” Martin said. “It’s such heartbreak.”

Martin said when it was decided to take the red oak down, everyone on the block was very sad.

“The whole neighborhood came out and cried,” she said, estimating that 25 neighbors came to watch the branches being cut down. “There were some tears by moms, dads and kids.”

Although much of the trunk is still intact, the tree will be gone within a few days, Martin said.

“People in Lake Bluff love their nature,” Goldsberry added. “Everybody’s proud of being ‘tree city.’ ”