NEWS
140-year-old tree to be cut down by city
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by Amelia Vorpahl
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
One of the oldest trees on the University of Wisconsin campus will be chopped down because of advanced Dutch Elm Disease.
Plans are currently underway for the American elm on West Gorham Street to be removed due to an infection.
Common Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, said the diseased tree was brought to his attention last summer. Before any plans for removal were finalized, Verveer said he brought in a certified arborist to determine whether there were any other options.
"Unfortunately, the Dutch Elm Disease had progressed too far along for the tree to be saved; it was too late to apply chemical treatments," he said.
Verveer added he felt very saddened by the news of the tree's removal, especially considering its 140-year history.
"The tree has obviously seen a lot and outlived much of Madison — it has stood the test of time throughout the history of the city," he said. "Since it's in such a prominent location, I think that the tree will be missed."
According to Verveer, the city of Madison is in the process of conducting a survey of other Elm trees downtown to determine if they should receive chemical treatments to stop the spread of the disease.
"These treatments have proven to be effective much of the time. The UW spends money to treat Elm trees on their property, particularly on Bascom Hill," Verveer said. "I think it would be well worth it for other trees of this magnitude."
UW sophomore Richelle Andrae said she is sad to see the tree go because it really adds to the look of the campus.
"I think that it's nice to have as much green in an urban area as possible — I think it's kind of sad that a lot of Madison is just buildings," Andrae said. "It's unfortunate that the tree is unhealthy, but hopefully a new tree will be planted somewhere else."
Anonymous (November 28, 2007 @ 1:01pm):
slow news day?
Anonymous (November 28, 2007 @ 1:30pm):
So where the hell was Verveer before the tree was too far gone?
Anonymous (November 28, 2007 @ 2:27pm):
this tree is an icon.
Anonymous (November 28, 2007 @ 11:01pm):
Why are there so few trees in the campus area? Why is there no green space?
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