Future of Historic Tree in Wading River Debated

A tree grows in Wading River -- and has, for 200 years. But now, the Riverhead Town Board has decided to cut the tree down.

Sid and Stephanie Bail of the Wading River Civic Association and the Wading River Historic Society came before the town board on Tuesday to discuss the future of the white oak  tree, which has stood at a triangle near the entrance to Wading River since before the Revolutionary War.

Deputy Town Attorney Dan McCormick said two reports have been garnered from arborists saying the tree, which stands at the corner of Wading River-Manor Road and North Country Road, sometimes called Parker Road, is rotted and a potential danger to motorists and passerby.

In 1972, the tree was the 9th largest white oak tree on Long Island. According to local legend, the tree grew between two granite milestones that were used to measure distances before road signs, which have been absorbed into the tree, but that has not been determined with certainty.

"It's an important landmark," said Stephanie Bail. "It adds charm and atmosphere."

Bail asked the board if arborists had considered saving at least part of the tree.

Over the years, there have been efforts to remove the tree, but they have met with resistance, Bail said. "The Historical Society feels it is a landmark but we also realize things don't last forever. We're asking that you do whatever can be done to save it," she said.

Counciman John Dunleavy said the tree is rotting. "We have to find out if it's a safe tree or if it could be a hazard to motorists or to passerby."

Woodson said two arborist reports and said it was dangerous. Although a tree could look fine on the outside, the outside layer of the tree is usually only two to three inches, while the tree is hollow inside. "It's my responsibility to keep the streets of Riverhead safe," he said, adding the tree is a liability.

He added that he has the authority to take down the tree without any discussion but came to discuss the matter with community members.

"It should be a joint decision," Dunleavy said.

Councilman Jim Wooten said history aside, he wanted an honest opinion of an arborist of whether the tree was safe.

"It's in rough shape," Woodson said.

Dunleavy said the tree is so rotted that nutrition from the ground would never reach top branches.

Woodson and the board decided to remove the tree.  One suggestion to keep the tree's memory alive is to create a case to hold a piece of the tree, with the plaque describing its history. Giglio suggested maybe a bench could be created with part of the wood. "It's sad," she said.

Dunleavy said a new tree should be planted to replace the historic oak, but perhaps not in the same location, where traffic is an issue.