A Historic Tree is a tree (or group of trees) that are at least 50 years old and share a significant event (or events) in a specific place in time. This is a brief statement that helps to quantify what we are looking for without any strong limitations. What is “significant” could vary according to the point of view but the Texas Historic Tree Coalition often refers to historians, anthropologists and other experts for recommendations. In essence, credible historic reference materials must be provided and historic references should be corroborated by a reputable source before we can pursue further investigation. Size, age, or a great story behind a tree can also contribute to a tree’s significance.
A Heritage Tree has deep significance to a community. Again, what is of “deep significance” can vary but should be quantified as much as possible. As an example, if a new tree (or grove of trees) was planted in honor of someone or a group of people that are significant to the community, an application for recognition could be submitted.
The Texas Historic Tree Registry is a program set up to identify and honor historic and heritage trees in Texas. Historic tree nomination forms are available in the “Trees” drop-down menu below “Historic and Heritage Trees” or by following this link: https://txhtc.org/historic-tree-nomination-form/. Submissions for heritage tree status should be submitted using the historic tree nomination form since many of the criteria are the same or similar.
This majestic cottonwood, standing more than 70 feet tall with a circumference of more than 12 feet, stood at the center of the Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park for more than 70 years. It was admired for its towering beauty for decades, providing bountiful shade for hundreds of thousands of visitors to the State …Read More
The Conservation Committee of the Nancy Horton Davis National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) nominated the Adamson High Red Oak for historic status in 2004. According to their nomination, the tree is believed to have sprouted in 1912 and was there when Oak Cliff High School moved there in September of 1916, to …Read More
June 10, 1996 was a historic day for the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition. Not far from the banks of the Trinity River and within shouting distance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Bridge, Coalition members and guests gathered to recognize and dedicate DHTC’s first official historic tree. The massive Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa, has …Read More
At the time of its nomination and dedication in 2004, the Wisdom Pecan measured 54 feet high with a canopy of 70 feet at its widest and 60 feet at its narrowest, and it had a trunk circumference of 8 feet. The tree still stands today as a witness to history in the making and …Read More
This grove of 40 stately trees is an urban remnant of Post Oak forest that stretches from Oklahoma into sections of the Metroplex. The trees, which shade the graves of Dallas’ most recognizable names, are some of the oldest in the city and many pre-date the signing of the United States Constitution. Based on tree …Read More
This majestic American Elm is located on a remnant of Blackland Prairie that escaped the urban sprawl of North Dallas. Located at 17400 Muirfield, just minutes from the Dallas North Tollway and Frankford Road, the tree is a living witness to the activities of a turn of the century farming community. The Wagon Yard Elm …Read More