Last Updated on January 28, 2023
It was dead. It had to go. It was only a tree but somehow it represented a part of the history of this place. The tree estimated to be 80 – 100 years old was removed on January 14. It lived beyond the normal life expectancy for weeping cherry trees. The normal life span is 30 – 40 years. Jim Himel, Catonsville forester, said, “…the tree was very old for any type of cherry tree.” Bert Clegern, Chairman of the Charlestown Nature Trail Committee, estimated the tree ring to be about 80 years, “It was hard to count rings even with a stain applied,” he reported,”the trunk diameter was almost five feet!”
The advance notice of the removal meant cameras were at the ready to document the tree’s removal. The work crew was in place by 8:30 a.m. with the end in sight by 11:30 a.m.
Because there is no documentation for the actual planting of the row of weeping cherry trees (Prunus spachiana), the actual date is unknown. John Strumsky, author of The History of Charlestown, dug through his notes to report that there is mention of landscaping when Fountain Hill and Maple Terrace were completed in 1913. The Our Lady of the Angels Chapel was started in 1913 and the exterior was completed in 1914. So if the landscaping included the weeping cherry trees, that would date the tree to 1913.
The field below the chapel was mentioned in the 1920s. The trees may have been planted during that time. The ball field had its beginnings in the 1930s. At any rate, the tree was old. The tree is still part of Charlestown living on in the mulch left behind and wood pieces reserved for the Woodshop. Watch for announcements for a spring planting. Arbor Day would be perfect!
As we await spring we can look forward to the pendulant branches of cherry blossoms of the remaining trees.
Ann MacKay
