Community Corner
Arlington Neighborhood Hopes to Save 200-Year Old Oak Tree from Development
Builder says he likes the large oak tree too and has no plans to take it out; but decision is pending a review of the tree by an arborist.
An Arlington neighborhood has started a petition to save a large oak tree that is on a lot that is being developed for a new home. So far, the petition has 313 of a hoped-for 400 signatures.
Builder Joe DaSilva of DS Homes in Manassas said Thursday there are currently no plans to get rid of the tree. “I like the tree too,” he said. ”It looks healthy.” He said he’ll wait until he gets a full report from a local arborist who will examine the tree for the builder. DaSilva said he has already spoken to some of the neighbors about the tree.
A home currently on the property will be demolished to make way for a new home that DaSilva’s company will build on the lot.
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Here’s the petition, “Please Help Save Our ‘Champion’ Tree:
This petition is the work of concerned neighbors in North Arlington, who fear that the magnificent and irreplaceable oak tree on the corner of 27th St. N and Nottingham St. will be cut down when builder DS Homes tears down the existing house to redevelop the lot.
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The tree is more than 200 years old, and is believed to be the largest Willdenow’s Oak (a natural hybrid between a black oak and southern red oak) in Virginia—and one of the largest in the world. Local naturalists have examined it and found it to be in excellent health. It is on Arlington’s list of “champion” trees and its acorns have been sent to the Smithsonian.
It is very close to street, outside the current fence line and potentially partially in the county right of way. Its position leaves plenty of room for a large house to be built on the lot without removing the tree.
In its long life, the tree has survived the widespread felling of Arlington’s trees during the Civil War and the neighborhood’s transformation from farms to a suburb dotted with neat rows of brick colonials, Cape Cods and ramblers.
Now, this petition asks DS Homes and Arlington County to ensure that the tree continues to survive when the property is redeveloped.
PHOTO of tree is from the petition
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