The summer of 2012 was hot and dry. In August, a branch split and fell from NFA's iconic European weeping beech tree initiating a process which led to a heart – wrenching decision. The tree was unsafe. Lindon Arborists of Hartford, who were intimately familiar with and had treated the tree for years, were called, completed an assessment, and made a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
Fagus sylvatica Pendula, the Weeping European Beech, a fixture on the campus for years, had been the object of special treatment for quite some time as it surpassed the life expectancy of its species. Lindon Arborists and by NFA facilities staff had sustained the tree into a ripe old age. Despite spraying for disease, administering soil nutrition, and using cables to support weak limbs, the tree succumbed to illness and infirmity. Beech Bark Disease or Bleeding Cankar, a malady common to weeping beech trees, had attacked the tree, and then, sun scald contributed to the 'sudden branch failure.’ The unexpected fall of the huge branch caused campus officials to determine the tree a safety hazard and led to the Board of Trustees decision.
The tree would be felled. Quick work followed, and the tree was taken down.
The huge, mature tree had occupied a space before Cranston …show more content…
the beech had been the object of special treatment Since the Academy had contracted Linden Tree Service of Eastford, CT, in 2003, arborist David Stone had been the lead person caring for the beech, which according NFA Facilities Manager Harry Hansen had outlived its time. Limbs had been pruned and cabled to strengthen them, and the tree had been fertilized and medicated. Having become invested in the tree, Stone had become emotionally attached. He was moved when notified that the tree was to come down,. The arborist who had lovingly tended the tree for years became the man who oversaw the operation to fell it, and, in fact, in some cases, the person to weild the