As fall arrives in Providence, it will be with at least one less tree, as one of the city’s oldest trees is set to be cut down in Davis Park because it is so old that “its condition has been deemed dangerous,” according to City Councilman Terrence M. Hassett, Ward 12.

Hassett said that the sycamore tree, which 100-plus years ago was only a seeding, is no longer healthy, and is dangerous to pedestrians and park visitors.  Located at the entrance of Davis Park on Chalkstone Avenue, the tree will be removed by city forestry crews on Wednesday, September 24th at 8:30 am, according to City Forester Douglas Still.

Still will be visiting a science class from Nathanael Greene Middle School—located across the street from Davis Park—to share with students the actual age of the sycamore (estimated at 120 years), and the reasons why it must be removed. The forester has been working with school officials in order to coordinate the tree cutting with an educational event that presents an understanding of the significance of the tree’s longevity, as well as why tree plantings have become so important in Providence. 

"The tremendous sycamore has been a cherished presence in the neighborhood for decades, providing shade for little league teams and defining the entrance to Davis Park,” City Forester Still stated.  “Unfortunately, the extensive decay at the base and in the major branches made the tree unsafe."

As the aged tree comes down, 21 new trees will be planted on the campus of the Nathanael Greene School. The plantings are part of a larger improvement plan developed by the school’s Health and Safety Committee, Hassett said.  Parks Department staff is scheduled to plant the trees in November.

Hassett noted that nearly 400 hundred trees have been planted in Ward 12 over the last 10 years.