DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES
#001 Willow Oak
(Quercus phellos)
This Willow Oak is known as the “Delburg Tree”. It was planted in 1939 to mark a property boundary between two lots on Delburg Street. It was planted by two brothers from the Hoke family who lived next to this tree until 2015. Development around Delburg Street has threatened the tree in recent years. The neighbors on Delburg Street petitioned for the tree’s protection from new development. Two neighbors, Cheril Prince and Dave Whitman wrote and performed an original song at a Davidson town hall meeting. This song was called “The Delburg Tree Song”. Their efforts were successful. The new homes were pushed away from the tree canopy and the Delburg Street sidewalk was routed around the tree safely. It was the first tree included in our program, having been inducted in 2020.
Statistics (1998/2020)
- Circumference (In.): 195″
- Height (Ft.): 81′
- Avg. Crown Spread (Ft.): 123′
- Diameter Breast Height (In.): 62″
- Total Points: 307
More Information
- Year Recognized: 2020
- Current condition: Good
- Property Type: Private
- Ecological Value: Willow Oaks, often mistaken for Pin Oaks, are some of the most common trees around the Charlotte area. They offer tremendous ecological value through their acorns which are eaten by birds, deer, squirrels, and other small mammals. A willow oak of this size can sequester over 265 lbs of Carbon Dioxide annually, helping with climate change and reducing our impact from burning fossil fuels.
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