Sycamore Age?

[buzz sawyer]

I'm trying to establish an approximate age for this large Sycamore tree growing on historical property in Wheeling, WV. It is about 7' dbh and is being taken down due to damage incurred many years ago. There are huge branches growing just below and putting a lot of weight on the damaged area. As I type this, it is being removed. Some have said the tree could be as much as 300 years old. That would make it a sapling when the area was settled in the early 1700s. The owner of the property at the time was Lydia Boggs Shepherd who convinced the Feds to re-route Route 40 so it would pass closer to her home. They have already removed some very large branches from the left side in the photo.

 

[ArtB]

So, what was the count.
Only half and hour since the photo, will be good timing on the crew efficiency. Maybe not cut off at ground level yet? Working Sunday morning early?

Just driving by? Perhaps they are simply trimming away fromteh LH side power line?

 

[Oldmaple]

300 years old for most trees is unusual without advanced decay being a problem. Especially one that has been around people.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Haven't seen any updates - I'm not in the area right now. The top broke out of the tree maybe 50+ years ago so it's been rotting from the top down.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Here are a few more photos I found from earlier this year.

 

[Jason Douglas]

That tree can be preserved.

 

[Del_]

A lovely tree and I understand to be quite pollution resistant.

It should be preserved. 300 years old is not out of the question.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Probably too late now. They are saying there is only about 4" of solid wood and the rest is hollow. I question that but again, probably too late to stop the take down now. I thought they could do some serious weight reduction, but I have no say in the matter.