The tree has been a beloved fixture in Glasgow’s Argyle Street for over a century, and its nomination for the prestigious Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year award has brought widespread delight among locals. David Treanor, an arborist and owner of Treewise Urban Forestry, has been responsible for the tree’s care for the past five years.
- Its striking form and location make it nearly always the subject of press coverage.
- The tree’s ability to resist ash dieback has led David to dig deeper into its history and scientific significance.
The tree is estimated to be around 170 years old, making it a remarkable survivor of Glasgow’s 850-year history.
- It has lived through the Victorian era, the Glasgow ‘Age of Smoke,’ the Clydeside Blitz, and the 1968 storm.
- It has endured from Trams to Tesla’s, and has been part of so many Glaswegians’ everyday lives.
David Treanor’s nomination of the tree for the Tree of the Year award is not just a testament to the tree’s strength and resilience, but also to its enduring presence in the community. The tree has been protected under Glasgow District Council’s Tree Preservation Order No.1, which was the city’s first TPO.
“Its location and striking form mean it nearly always leads press coverage with a kind of quiet defiance – standing in the heart of Argyle Street like it always has.”
David Treanor’s experience with the tree has led him to notice its remarkable ability to resist ash dieback, a disease that has affected many trees in the area. “We know that the tree is estimated to be 170 years old, meaning it has lived through a fifth of Glasgow’s 850-year history,” he explained. “It became clear that this tree has survived the Victorian era, survived Glasgow’s ‘Age of Smoke,’ when coal soot darkened the air and buildings while Glasgow was the second city of the Empire,”
The tree’s history is also marked by its protection under the tree preservation order, which was introduced in 1980.
A TPO is a legal protection that ensures the preservation of trees of special significance, such as the Ash Tree in Argyle Street.
This is the first tree preservation order introduced in Glasgow, and it has protected the Ash Tree from harm or damage. The nomination of the Ash Tree for the Tree of the Year award has brought widespread delight among locals, who have shared their memories of the tree.
- A local said: “In the 1970s as a student I’d open my curtains to see the tree every morning.”
- A local said: “Me and my mates always admire the tree when having a few pints at the Park Bar.”
- A local said: “My parents met under that tree.”
The tree’s enduring presence in the community is a testament to its strength and resilience, and its nomination for the Tree of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of its significance. The winner of the competition will be decided in September, and the winning tree will represent the UK at the European Tree of the Year finals. The Ash Tree’s nomination is a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage, and the role that trees play in our lives and communities.
| Table 1: The Ash Tree’s History | Years | Description |
| 170 years old | Estimated age of the tree | The tree is believed to have been planted in the mid-19th century. |
| 1980 | Year of protection under TPO No.1 | The tree was protected from harm or damage under the city’s first tree preservation order. |
In conclusion, the Ash Tree’s nomination for the Tree of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of its strength and resilience, and its enduring presence in the community. The tree’s history, protection, and significance make it a remarkable example of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
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