‘Diseased’ historic tree given death notice

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– A Wilmington homeowner is asking the city to save her historic oak tree, but the city says it’s one of the top 50 most diseased trees in Wilmington.

On Hudson Drive, trees of all sizes sit in front of almost every home.

“I think a lot of the historic areas are very very charming because of the trees,” homeowner Delina Harrelson said. “You know that history.”

That’s why Harrelson bought this house last year.

“I’m a historic preservationist,” Harrelson said. “I come in with all the old dilapidated houses and neglected houses.”

Harrelson’s restoration is complete and sold, but in April the City of Wilmington notified her about a different renovation.

“It said the tree will be cut, because it is dead,” Harrelson said.

Dead is not what Harrelson sees on its green leaves, strong structure, and peaceful beauty.
“Look at it,” Harrelson said. “It’s just so hard to believe its dead.”

According to spokeswoman Malissa Talbert, after 2 years of inspection this tree is one of the top 50 most diseased in the city and it’s got to go.

“Done,” Harrelson said.

The tree was on their radar before she bought the home.

“It’s funny when you see other people complaining about the trees being taken down, you don’t realize how serious it is until it’s yours,” Harrelson said.

Talbert says since the tree is in the public right of way, the city could be held liable for injuries or property damage. Harrelson says even though she was never told this when she bought the house, she told the new buyers.

Next week the historic beauty will be gone, unless Harrelson can find another answer.

“Somebody tell me how to save the tree,” Harrelson said.

Talbert says this tree is scheduled to be removed next week by a contractor the city hired to remove all of the 50 most damaged and diseased trees in public rights-of-way in Wilmington.