Historic oak tree likely doomed in UW Memorial Union reconst

[edfrank]

Historic oak tree likely doomed in UW Memorial Union reconstruction
John Feith on Wednesday 11/30/2011 1:10 pm, (3) Comments

http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=35330

Two months ago, the Wisconsin Union announced that one of the five 100-plus-year-old oak trees at the Terrace has evidence of decay. But fortunately, it is the one next to the Wisconsin Union Theater -- the same tree that for over a year architects have planned to remove as part of the Memorial Union Reinvestment plan.



You and I would never notice that the oak tree in question is not a grand specimen of arboreal health. It has been very well taken care of. The branches are healthy, and the leaves were dense this summer. It has survived strong ice and wind storms in the last decades. Compared to the other four oaks of similar age, it appears healthier to the untrained naked eye. Its roots have been safely encased under the Terrace and theater steps for 72 years. Yet the tree was doomed as not worth saving from the start of the Union expansion process.

 

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[canada yew]

Thanks for posting this article and info.  Its a shame if that big oak is cut there on the Memorial Union lake terrace there in madison.  That tree adds immeasurable character and peace to that outside terrace on the lake.  Its a good spot to have a coffee or beer and enjoy the moments...

not long ago, that outside terrace was alot more natural feeling and lush with lawn grass...over the years its become much more concrete feeling...its no secret that mother nature and a simple tree can greatly enrich a place in many, many ways..