After the storm down here last year, ONE of my eleven trees down was a 150 year old oak. We cut what we could with chainsaws, but even the professionals we hired didn't have saws big enough to do the job. We had lugged what we could to the right of way and then hired someone to get what was left to the right of way to be picked up. I would have liked to have seen Bush doing the same. He is famous for his clearing of brush during his many vacations, like the one he was on last August. I would have loved to have seen him lug it to the right of way. But I forget. He is above everyone else and above the law and above the Constitution. I really hate to see my tax money pay for the federal government to remove that tree when Bush could have probably seen to it during his vacation time. It would have been a great photo op.
Bush gets away with the things he does because we are at war. He has photo ops on Harleys and takes a vacation every time he turns around and we are at war? He complains that he has to go to the Congress and he wishes he didn't have to. He basically wants to MAKE laws and that's the business of Congress. He doesn't ENFORCE laws that are already passed and that's the president's business. He INTERPRETS the laws as he is told by his cronies because he is a dimwit himself, but that is the court's business. He must have flunked government in high school.
Don't you think it is symbolic that this tree has toppled? It's like our country. The roots of freedom seem to be dying and if something isn't done to stop it, our republic will be gone along with our democratic ideas. We are in trouble.

It’s good to see that this won’t be the only long post on this topic… although it's probably the longest.

I am an environmentalist who believes that global warming IS happening, and I’m also a professional, certified arborist. However, the second sentence of the comment "Please note that global warming causes more moisture to be released into the atmosphere which causes the jet stream to move, hence more rain in places that are not used to the moisture. And yes, the Bush adminstration and the auto and gas industry is to blame for the assalt on our planet. I think the symbolism is fitting and just" [A Dubois, Poughkeepsie, NY, June 26] is simply NOT grounded in reality, although I’ll concede the point in the first sentence, about the effects of global warming on the jet stream. Even if [whomever you voted for in the 2000 presidential election] somehow could have mandated the complete cessation of ALL petroleum combustion in the entire United States as soon as he took the oath of office in 2000, the effects of that change wouldn't be noticed in the environment until probably decades later. The fact is that EVERYBODY's emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect, because it is a global phenomenon. The United States shares the atmosphere with everybody else on the planet. Yeah, we burn coal. But China burns more (they burn more overall- I'm not sure if they burn more per capita, though). I agree with the relevant parts of the following comment (irrelevant parts aren't included): “Global Warming is the cummulative result of hundreds of years worth of increasing polution, and population growth. Funny how you think that a man who is not even 60 years old yet is responsible for it all. Furthermore, he is only the President of the United States, not the supreme ruler of the planet. Remember, it is called ‘global’ warming...not ‘United States’ warming.” [no name, no city, June 28]

Regarding Dutch elm disease (DED): “There are new strains of elm, that are resistant to the blight that has killed so many el,s nationally. Plant a four to six inch gage Valley Forge Elm and do a story on the inevitable death of any living thing being replaced by hope we now have for a return to stately elm lined streets.” [Annica McCarthy, June 28] You’re half correct, Annica. There certainly are DED-resistant varieties of American elm, but they are by no means new. The so-called “Princeton elms” have been around for generations; they were actually noticed to be DED-resistant when the disease first swept through the eastern U.S. several decades ago, killing whole rows of American elms but not even touching whole neighborhoods full of them. Of course, there have been recently-developed varieties of DED-resistant American elm with certain structural attributes that are different from the original “Princeton elms”, and I think that’s what you’re talking about.

And as for the tree FALLING at the White House, it’s true: Trees get old and fall over. Deal with it. Trees don’t live forever, especially when they’re planted so close to buildings, pavement, and politicians. These comments sum it up: “Knock it off. It was nothing more than Mother Nature doing her thing. Why is it that everything has to be political. Don't you guys have anything better to do?” and “Just another reminder that mother-nature is in charge and that we really don't know what will happen next, and where... It's cool though, clean it up, and plant another, nice tree, life goes on...” [both no name, no city, June 26] The answer is, NO, we don’t have anything better to do, that’s why we’re all posting messages in the first place! And as an arborist, I need to respond to this comment: “Where was the Army Corp of Engineers when we needed them. Surely, they know that water moves soil. The tree could have been saved (at a great expense). What's a few thousand dollars when the government is throwing billions around...even for a bridge to nowhere!” [also no name or city, June 26] Okay, this is a classic example of two arboricultural concepts called “wind throw” and “soil failure”; as Leslie of East Texas wrote in beuatiful Haiku style on June 27, “Too much rain soil moves tree falls.” Yes, the soil was water-logged and therefore could no longer support the tree, so when the wind came along and pushed on the tree, the roots slipped downwards on one side, upwards on the other, and the whole tree toppled over across the driveway. But how would you suggest “saving” it? Cabling the tree to a great big metal pole? That would actually have had a negative effect on the structural integrity of the tree, because the tree would have less need to support itself in high winds, and therefore wouldn’t grow what is called “reaction wood” in places where it’s needed to bolster the tree’s strength. Trees can support their own weight in all but the most extreme circumstances. THIS was an extreme circumstance. If the tree lived a hundred years, that means this was the first combination of rainfall and high winds in a hundred years that was extreme enough to knock down the tree. And changing the soil drainage would have harmed the tree- after all, American elms prefer moist, rich soils. I think the tree lived its life in style and comfort, if you like to think of trees anthropomorphically, and it died naturally after a long, full life. It was in decline, anyway; that means it had seen better days, and was starting to fall apart the way trees of that species tend to do at that age. Better to fall in a storm than to slowly die, or to be removed so the President can add a personal parking space for his toy Hum-Vee, right?

Now for the sentimentalism, and then I promise I’ll stop writing. I heard about this story first on NPR when I was driving home from my job with a national tree expert company, and I almost had to pull over, I was so sad. (Thanks for the Joyce Kilmer quote, Kai Chow of Seattle, Wash.) I am saddened whenever I see that a big, old tree has fallen or has been removed, whatever the reason. Heck, I hate to see ANY tree be removed, even if it’s “weed tree” seedlings on the lawn or in a flower bed. But there’s something about getting used to a tree that’s been there seemingly forever, then one day you walk by and it’s laying on the ground with its roots exposed, or it’s being cut down because it is “in the way”, or whatever. I’ve seen many big old trees either come down in storms or be removed, and recently I am in a position where people are asking me to give them a price for removing them, and it’s sort of sad, even if the big old tree in question is obviously a hazard to people and houses underneath it. I hate to see large trees die. Rest in peace, twenty-dollar-bill elm tree.

P.S.: Lawns are over-rated. Plant lots of trees!

You know - come to think of it - considering the likeness is on the $20 bill - I can't help but think most (every) other president would have issued some sort of statement. He pardons a turkey every Thanksgiving.

Looks like this comments thread has died down, but for those who stumble upon it ... the Washington Post on June 29 ran a story about the tree. They confirmed it was planted at some point between 1902-1906 and that the National Park Service plans on mulching the remains and using them on the White House grounds. Here's the full story from the Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/28/AR2006062802262.html

61' 8 3/4", but it leaned a little to the left.

Maybe nobody mentioned it because NOBODY MEASURED IT IN A WHILE!

It would probably be easier to get people to quit driving. Or smoking...
Plant a new tree. Yeah, does anyone know how tall it was? Or is that a comment nobody wants to make BECAUSE IT'S NOT POLITICAL!

How tall was the tree?

Maybe the United States should join the Kyoto Accord. Anyone think of that?

I'd like to see two pictures side by side:
one -the one you showed with the article and
the other of the tree when it was standing
(preferably from the same angle, if possible).
I agree with the writer who suggested the planting of
some different kinds of elms to take that one's
place. What a wonderful tribute to the resiliance
and hope of the USA!

It sure is funny how many people felt the need to comment that this is a pointless discussion and to "get a life."

You first.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

The loss to the overwhelming downpour of the grand old elm tree on the White House Lawn, especially after it had stood there through thick and thin for over one hundred and forty years, is quite remarkable.

I cannot but conclude that, over the past half-century, major changes in the composition of the Earth's atmosphere have been taking place at an ever-increasing pace. We are now beginning to see more and more often the impact of these changes on our weather.

The unprecedented degree of flooding in New England earlier this spring, and now this latest onslaught of torrential rain in Washington, D.C., are, to me anyway, evidence that major changes in our weather patterns are taking place.

Regardless of how we Americans view this event politically, even those of us who perhaps might be willing to go so far as to suggest that our President is somehow personally responsible for these ever-harder-to-ignore weather extremes, the evidence is mounting that we humans ARE putting a great deal of strain on the Earth's climate. As far as President Bush's personal involvement in or responsibility for these events is concerned, the strongest criticism that, in all fairness, I can levy against him is that he appears (to me, anyway) to prefer to ignore and dismiss, rather than openly acknowledge and take action on, the reality of these changes.

I am convinced that we humans all across the globe are changing the Earth's climate in a major way, mainly from the pollution we are putting into the atmosphere every day from burning enormous quantities of hydrocarbons, the petroleum we burn in our cars, trucks and airplanes, and coal in our electric power generation plants. Extremes in weather, such as that which overwhelmed Washington, D.C. this week, are becoming ever more commonplace. I believe that they are happening (at least indirectly) because of the fact that we are adding all this pollution to the atmosphere.

This particular downpour took place at the political and emotional heart of our country, and destroyed this grand old American Elm tree, which happened to be an icon in our nation's history. Its loss ought to warn all of us that something in our climate has gotten way out of balance, and has at the very least struck a responsive chord in a great many of us.

Rather than blame (or not) its loss on the P.O.T.U.S., I suggest that instead we search for constructive ways to counteract and reduce the increasing danger from global warming. If possible, I recommend that for starters you go see Al Gore's recently-released film, "An Inconvenient Truth". This excellent film should raise your awareness of the existence, extent, and severity of global warming.

Regrettably, the evidence is making it all too powerfully clear that global warming has truly begun to "kick in" in a major way, and that we all need to take action, and soon, to do something about it. Unless and until we do, we are only going to see more and more of these extremes in weather such as the one which struck this week at the heart of our nation's capitol.

No one in our country, from the President on down to the humblest citizen, is , or can be, immune from the effects of climate change.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric Talbot
Chicago, Illinois USA

An American "Family" Tree, lost.......but not forgotten. Yeah, I'd burn that culled natural wood from the seat of imperial power, burn it in a nice warm fire, and enjoy it's natural warmth and beauty, without using any OPEC imported fuel oil or natural gas! hehehehe Let the marshmello toasting begin....BURN BABY BURN....

There are new strains of elm, that are resistant to the blight that has killed so many el,s nationally. Plant a four to six inch gage Valley Forge Elm and do a story on the inevitable death of any living thing being replaced by hope we now have for a return to stately elm lined streets.

Now, what's so hard about taking advantage of a perfect opportunity to promote these new elms?

It's sad to see the tree gone. However, there is no relation as it relates to the tree and global warming. That being said, GLOBAL WARMING IS A FACT! Action needs to be taken. I'm surprise with all the hot air coming out of the White House over the last six years how the tree survived this long. I guess it's all the fertilizer that accompanies the hot air.

If the protestor's want to stand outside the White House...so be it! They are standing up for what they believe in whether or not you agree or disagree. The Elm tree is just that...A TREE!!! It is really sad that most people in American are not happy unless they are bitching about something. So all of the ANTI-BUSH comments do not surprise me. These comments just show that cynicism runs ramped in our country. Suggestion for all of you complainers...if you do not like how things are run in this country then get off your rears and do something about it to promote change...or better yet...move to another country where you will find something to complain about there. If you do not want to do either of these suggestions then shut up about it and get on with your lives.

Where did they take the tree after it was hauled away in a truck? Who gets to own/ reuse this piece of history?

Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

Whispering hope, Oh how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

- Septimus Winner, 1868

Thats actually plastic turf placed there by mannequins, (Just kidding, laughing.)

Relevant Tom Toles cartoon:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/opinions/cartoonsandvideos/toles_main.html?name=Toles&date=06282006

Liberal Losers! It's always the blame game with you people. Global Warming is the cummulative result of hundreds of years worth of increasing polution, and population growth. Funny how you think that a man who is not even 60 years old yet is responsible for it all. Furthermore, he is only the President of the United States, not the supreme ruler of the planet. Remember, it is called "global" warming...not "United States" warming. Idiots

Everyone who has spoken of global warming - what type of transportation do you use? what about air conditioning? did you plant a tree this year? None of the above, then please keep the roar at a gentle level cause all your hot air is only adding to the problem. As for the Bush issue, if you did not vote then don't protest too loudly! He is like the rest of us, only human. There are so many unsolved issues facing the global community, at this time in history, you would think with all the Bush bashing someone would take the time to resolve some of the issues. It was a lovely tree, a thing of nature, it is gone. Mourn its demise and weep for your own mortality.

Nature talks. Is it by chance , a coincidence? There are none, all is nature and within nature.The plants are not as unecessary as they are portrayed to be. It is not necessary to lament on the unchangeable fact that the tree is fallen, yet it is a message relating to the times,, and the wickedness, and the naiveness.
Why should Mr. Bush and his administration continue to be so insensitive to the reality of life, that relates to the retributions to be brought about as a result of ones doings. How can Americans allow so few people to spread so much hate among so many innocent people and not bear the consequences.Even if the politicians and the other first class citizens obviously have a different definition for well being as the many, there is no escape. The time has come to stop this overt wickedness and be true to peace love and civilisation. This is to signal that the fears that were self created must be Eliminated. Let America stop the trend and get spiritualised-real.Let america be to share with humanity or else.Let america be the leaders to disarm. Let america be the champion for Nature. Let America stop the racism. Let America be not so absolutely money driven. Let America stop the Games and stop the sales of all that Ammunition while at the same time posing like the peace maker. This is a signal for the Government of America and its allies to stop creating crises and at the same time seeming to be the solution.This is a signal for America to wake up and realise that not even the smallest of people and nations should not be underestimated.This is a call for Americans to know that the time is up to change. This is not a signal just only for Mr. Bush and the republicans? How about all the corruption by the Businesses and politicians and religions who continue to use and abuse the masses in so many ways. What about judgement for the many who seem to be mere followers of propoganda served up by newspapers , Radio and the many other gadgets of the media. All that psuedo-love and psuedofreedom.This is a signal for all of America to know that the greatest game is to love all others as you love self . to be thy brothers and sisters keeper. This is a time for all of us to have due respect to life, to nature to God and all his attributes.Consider the tree's memory.

Ya'll need to come to Florida. Our trees fall all the time. As a matter of fact, two trees fell yesterday in our beautiful capital city. Does that mean Jeb is going down with his brother? Please, folks, get a life and learn more about the fragile nature of trees. If it's old and gets water logged, it's going to fall. I do agree with Bart when he said, "The trunk should be logged into timber and used to build a piece of furniture for the White House that will last as long as the tree did". Sad to say, it may end up like trees do here once they fall...they are put out on the curb with a sign that reads "Free Firewood".

A Dubois, Poughkeepsie, NY

You truly believe the Bush Administration is responsible for Global Warming??? Do you own a car?? Do you produce any garbage at your house?? Oh what about air condition in New York, I suppose you just steer clear of that. Your an idiot!! How could 1 man destroy the earth?? GET A LIFE and quit blaming everything on President.

what happened to us, america? used to be we supported our president. this president is not doing anything for you to complain about except having to clean up after
8 years of democratic messes in the white house.
we used to be looked up to as a nation until the previous democratic regime took over.we did not seek this position but the peoples of the world forced it on us. unfortunately,
it has taken this long and will require longer still to clean house. mr bush is having to deal with some pretty heavy stuff and all of you dimwits out there could not handle it if you tried. armchair generals are useless. more so are armchair presidents.