Saving the American Elm Tree at 145 Hicks Street

At 145 Hicks Street there is an American Elm Tree about 80+ years old and 70' tall. The Mansion House Board has voted (5-2) to cut the tree down without weighing all possibilities.

First, we are extremely lucky to have an American Elm tree this old and this large still alive. There have been millions upon millions of American Elm trees cut down due to Dutch Elm Disease. So this tree has survived that plus any other circumstances that would effect this tree. Plus, trees give us so much in return from clean air, shade, creating a wonderful haven for wildlife, saving energy keeping buildings cool and more. So here's the story.

Restoration work began last year and during that work it was discovered that a leak was occuring on both sides of the building (A side and B side). The major leak was coming through an electrical conduit which crossed over from the A side into the B side. It was determined that the roots from the Elm tree probably cracked or bent the conduit. Subsequently, there are leaks on the B side too. But Bartlett Tree Experts inspected the site and concluded that the roots from the Elm Tree did not cause the leaks on the B side. These leaks on the B side are not major and only occur when it's raining or during watering of the garden (which has changed because a watering system has been installed which will decrease any water loss or puddling). Mind you this is a tree that has had continual care such as a fertilization program, regular pruning, large branches being cabled to prevent any problems and general inspections. So you see this tree has been taken care of, is in great condition and does not pose a threat.

After three electrical proposals, the Board voted to cut the tree down so that waterproofing the foundation from the outside could occur.

But we do have another alternative such as: having an independent electrician abandon the existing conduit, moving the cables up about 8 feet back towards the entrance of the building and at the end of the drip line of the tree and installing another conduit going across the garden into the B side electrical board. As for the leak on the A side the placement of the conduit back would ameliorate this leak. The leak on the B side is another story. To properly waterproof the leak it should be done on the outside thus cutting the Elm tree down which is up against the building. But we can waterproof from the inside and keep an eye on this. The leak is not major, very small actually but the Board is also afraid that the tree, since it has a natural lean over the street, will fall down and possibly injure or kill someone. This is pure speculation - anything could happen to anyone just walking down the street. So the shareholders, neighbors and others are fighting to save the tree. There will be a meeting on Monday, July 30th at 8:00 p.m. in the lobby of the building to discuss all of the above. If anyone wants to sign a petition to save the American Elm tree (hard copy) please let me know. Thanks for listening.

P.S. The cost of doing the above ranges between $8,000 to $16,000. Is it worth it to save an historic tree - you betcha!! I'm fighting to the very end.