NEWS

The DLC Treasure Tree tag.

Have you seen this sign on a tree in Davidson? It marks the tree as a designated Treasure Tree. Scan the QR code to learn about this tree on the Davidson Lands Conservancy website.

In a sense, all trees are treasures. They absorb pollutants, sequester carbon dioxide, release oxygen, reduce storm water runoff, prevent soil erosion, filter water, recharge ground aquifers, provide shade, reduce urban heat islands, muffle noise pollution, provide food and habitat for wildlife, create peaceful outdoor spaces, and enhance our mental and physical well-being.

Treasure Trees are distinctive treasures. They have been identified as large or physically unique specimens, rare trees, or trees of cultural or historical significance by the Davidson Treasure Tree Program.

Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) launched the Davidson Treasure Tree Program, underwritten by Trane Technologies, to heighten awareness of our tree canopy and to locate and honor these trees. The program seeks to locate the original Treasure Trees and tell their stories, as well as recognize a new generation of special trees by sharing their ecological importance to the region’s environment. The trees include a variety of species, such as Oaks, Redwood, Pecan, Eastern Cottonwood, Hackberry, Maples, American Elm, Norway Spruce, Southern Magnolia, European Beech, Tulip Poplar, Osage Orange, American Sycamore, Black Walnut, River Birch, and Sawara Falsecypress.

Screenshot of Treasure Tree #1

DLC’s Treasure Tree page is a great place to explore these remarkable trees. You’ll find details such as their circumference, crown spread, year recognized, condition, property type, and ecological value — and for some, you can read the fascinating stories behind them. You can browse the trees as a list, search by tag number, or explore the interactive map showing all their locations. The site also offers ways to get involved, from volunteering to supporting the Treasure Tree Program with a donation.

The first Treasure Tree (#001) was a Willow Oak.  Here’s its story:

“This Willow Oak is known as the “Delburg Tree.” It was planted in 1939 to mark a property boundary between two lots on Delburg Street. It was planted by two brothers from the Hoke family who lived next to this tree until 2015. Development around Delburg Street has threatened the tree in recent years. The neighbors on Delburg Street petitioned for the tree’s protection from new development. Two neighbors, Cheril Prince and Dave Whitman, wrote and performed an original song at a Davidson town hall meeting. This song was called “The Delburg Tree Song.” Their efforts were successful. The new homes were pushed away from the tree canopy and the Delburg Street sidewalk was routed around the tree safely. It was the first tree included in our program, having been inducted in 2020.”

This former Treasure Tree was lost earlier this year.

Do you have a potential Treasure Tree in mind? If you think a tree might qualify — whether for its size, unique features, rarity, or cultural significance — you can submit a nomination directly through Davidson Lands Conservancy’s online form. Nominations are reviewed by the Treasure Tree Committee, which will follow up if the tree meets the program’s criteria.

While we celebrate these living landmarks, we also mourn the loss of some. Unfortunately, several Treasure Trees have been removed due to age, storm damage, disease, or development. Each lost tree is still honored on DLC’s website, marked as “Tree Lost,” with its contributions preserved for posterity.

This is how the former Treasure Trees will be remembered on the DLC Treasure Tree page.

Tree removal in Davidson, including Treasure Trees, requires approval from the Town. The Town Arborist evaluates each case and notes the Treasure Tree’s status during the site visit. However, it’s important to note that Treasure Trees currently have no legal protection beyond the general permitting process.

In an effort to recognize these losses publicly, News of Davidson will publish a respectful “RIP” notice for Davidson’s fallen Treasure Trees.