MESOPOTAMIA - An iconic landmark in historic Mesopotamia Township Commons was removed recently.
The oldest and largest oak tree in Mesopotamia, estimated to be 300 years old, was taken down piece by ancient piece earlier this month. It stood 80 feet high and about 6 feet around.
Peter Schaden, owner of the End of the Commons General Store, 8719 state Route 534, said several arborists had been consulted regarding the health of the tree that stood near the ice house on the north end of the store. They determined that it was dying and could present a safety issue to residents and the thousands of customers that visit the northern Trumbull township each year.
"While the upper limbs looked solid, our concern was where the larger limbs joined the trunk," Shaden said. "We were comfortable with our decision when we discovered the large oak was 40 percent rotted."
Resident Joe Pavlic echoed that sentiment.
"If the tree was dead, it is better to take it down now," Pavlic said. "I had two dead trees in my yard that came down in that last big wind storm and did $12,000 damage to my house."
Schaden said he would like to preserve a section of the trunk to be reused.
"It has also been suggested by some that the trunk be made into a bench, so it will still be appreciated" he said.
Regardless, Schaden said he hopes to find a way to use some of the pieces in his store.