Hazardous Tree Work Underway for Two Historic Trees

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News Release Date: January 9, 2023

Contact: Erin Whittaker, 516-802-7539

Update (January 13):  This week's tree work is concluded.  The hazardous branches overhanging the North Room roof (from the American Elm) are removed.  The full removal of the diseased American Elm will occur later this year. Photos of some of the diseased, deteriorated wood removed during the operation are below.

This week the eastern National Park Service Arborist Incident Response Team will trim and likely remove two hazardous trees immediately adjacent to the Theodore Roosevelt Home.

The diseased American Elm (circa 1870-1895) and Sugar Maple (circa 1895) trees present a potential fall hazard to the Theodore Roosevelt Home. The park has worked for a number of years to slow the progress of Dutch elm disease, a lethal vascular wilt disease, but the damage is now too far advanced. Of the estimated 77 million elms in North America in 1930, over 75% have been lost to Dutch elm disease.

Both trees will be replaced with disease-resistant varieties of the same species.

“The removal of these diseased trees is unfortunate, but necessary to protect the structure and walking paths surrounding the Theodore Roosevelt Home,” said Superintendent Jonathan Parker. “We’ve selectively treated, as well as trimmed hazardous branches from these two trees over the years to prolong their lifespans. We’re now looking forward to planting a new generation of disease-resistant varieties that will provide shade and beauty for the next 100-plus years.”

A semi-circular area and two trails to the north of structure will be closed to the public while work is underway. Work is scheduled to be completed by Friday, January 13.

For more information or questions, please contact Erin Whittaker e-mail us (516) 802-7539.