September/October 2015 | 17
''
T
rees are irreplaceable; we will never
see another one like this one in
our generation."
Ross Parker, sales arborist at Davey's St.
Louis R/C office, nominated the winning post
oak for the "Trees of Distinction in Webster
Groves" residential award.
For 10 years, Green Space Commission of
Webster Groves, Missouri, has announced the
tree of distinction—adding it to the list of
honorary giants in the area. The commission's
goal is to promote high standards of beautifica-
tion and maintenance to the community's
green spaces, starting with these tree giants.
"Each nominated tree has to be huge among
others of its species," Parker says. "I work with
A Giant Tree Rewarded
Idea submitted by: Ross Parker, sales arborist, St. Louis R/C
trees every day, but when you come across a
huge one—there is nothing else like it."
Parker nominated the post oak in the
front yard of homeowners Bruce and Betty
Sherman's home after years of performing
maintenance on it. The Sherman's hire Davey
to cable, prune and water the tree every year—
keeping the 100-year-old, 80-foot-tall tree in
pristine condition.
"The Sherman's were thrilled when they
found out their tree won," Parker says. "They
even received a plaque in the tree's honor."
Parker says people in the community really
care about these giant trees—so much that the
community hosts tours of the 10 champion
trees of distinction each year.
"
