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.
Dealey Plaza is a city park in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas. The park was designed and built in the late 1930s with the finishing touch being the planting of the trees outlining the park. Six Live Oaks, Quercus fusiformis were aligned along two fountains paralleling Houston Street. Live Oaks and Cedar …Read More
The house at 703 North College Street in McKinney, Collin County, Texas was built in 1905 by Mary Jane and W.D. Smith (1858-1938). As lovers of landscape architecture planning and design, the Smiths were meticulous as they picked out the plants and trees. As it happens, the three Eastern Red Cedars and the Deodar Cedar …Read More
There is a grand old Pecan tree in Limestone County, that sits on the outskirts of Groesbeck, Texas. It is enormous in size with a circumference of 225.8 inches or 18.82 feet, a height of 94 feet, and a crown spread of 130 feet by 97 feet for an average crown spread of 113.5 feet. …Read More
The Story by Ann Bagley A huge Cottonwood tree stands near the entrance to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in the Texas Panhandle. This tree stands as a tribute to a colorful lady who played a part in the history of the Old West. The story of the tree is also Frenchie McCormick’s story. With her …Read More
The Bur Oak grows beside the historic Big Spring on the edge of the Great Trinity Forest in southern Dallas County. The spring has been an important source of clean water for humans for thousands of years. For more than 200 years this tree has stood near the spring offering its shade and shelter. The …Read More
Years ago, across the South and Southwest, it was not unusual to plant a tree in memory of a loved one, especially a child. There is a tree in Old Mobeetie in Wheeler County, Texas that is said to have been planted in memory of Sam Houston’s granddaughter, Louise Houston, who died there at the …Read More
Indigenous people have lived along the Brazos River for thousands of years. In historic times the area of present-day Waco was occupied by the Wichita Indian tribe known as the “Waco” (Spanish: Hueco). Some historians think an Indian village described by Spanish explorers in the 1500s was at the current site of the City of Waco. In 1824, Stephen Austin sent Thomas M. Duke …Read More
Located in the Southeast section of Bob Woodruff Park, Plano’s Quadri/Quincentennial Bur Oak (previously named the Bicentennial Bur Oak) is the largest, oldest known tree in North Texas. Its location in Bob Woodruff Park, referred to as a hardwood bottomland forest, is historically subject to flooding; therefore, the soil is very rich and contains sediment …Read More
The massive Half-Way Oak has been a popular rest stop providing shade and comfort for those traveling on foot, horseback, wagons, and automobiles for well over 200 years[1]. Located 13 miles south of Breckenridge on U.S. 183 at a southern Stephens County rest area, the Live Oak tree got its name from its location on …Read More
About 100 feet from the Champion Incense Cedar tree in Garland Memorial Park along South Garland Avenue once stood the majestic State Champion Shumard Red Oak. This oak was recognized in 1999 by the Texas Forest Service as the largest of its species in the area including all of Dallas, Tarrant, and eight adjoining counties. …Read More