<p>Renovations at a private home have put a spotlight on a historic shade tree that graces South Water street and is likely the largest of its kind in the state.</p><p>The majestic pagoda tree was brought to the Vineyard as a seedling in a flower pot by a sea captain more than 175 years ago.</p>
Renovations at a private home fronting the Edgartown harbor have put a spotlight on a historic shade tree that graces South Water street and is likely the largest of its kind in the state.
The majestic pagoda tree, brought to the Vineyard as a seedling in a flowerpot by a sea captain more than 175 years ago, is a popular tourist landmark. The tree is a public shade tree whose root system spreads beneath private property on the street of closely built homes.
Now the new owners of 29 South Water street, who are conducting major renovations to their property, want to build a garage above the tree’s root system. The Edgartown conservation commission last week issued an amended order of conditions that would allow the owners to build a cantilevered garage with an elaborate plan to protect the tree’s roots.
“It’s a national champion, so you have to dot every i and cross every t to make sure that it’s protected,” said Stuart Fuller, the Edgartown tree warden, speaking of the tree.
Majestic tree depicted on old post card (undated) from Gazette archives.
Majestic tree depicted on old post card (undated) from Gazette archives.
The Edgartown selectmen are not so sure about the plan and have put the matter on their agenda for discussion at their regular meeting next Monday.
Thomas and Mary Folliard bought the property, which abuts the Harborside Inn, a year ago for $7.9 million. Renovation work has included rebuilding the residence and the installation of a pool. But construction of the planned garage has been stalled out of concern for the pagoda tree.
According to a plaque fixed at its base, the tree was brought to Edgartown from China by Capt. Thomas Milton in 1837.
Over the years, the tree has grown to impressive scale, measuring 77 feet tall at the last measurement.
“It is quite notable in terms of its size and girth and the fact that it’s done so well and continued to do so well in an urban environment,” said Tim Boland, executive director of the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury. This week the sidewalk around the base of the pagoda was littered with the tree’s pointy, green leaflets.
Though the plaque proclaims it to be the oldest pagoda in the country, a 90-foot-tall tree in Essex, Conn. holds that record, according to North American Landscape Trees, a tree encyclopedia.
Still, it is the largest Sophora japonica in the commonwealth — only the giant pagoda in the Boston Public Garden rivals this one for size, Mr. Boland said. The pagoda’s root system is likely very extensive — typically a tree’s roots reach out as far as the branches above them, he said.
The roots are thought to extend beneath a part of the Folliard property, which until recently was the site of a lawn and parking area. As the “only space without a road or a street in the immediate vicinity and favorable for root growth, it is more likely to contain a high root population,” wrote David Hawkins, a consulting arborist for the town, in a report this year.
This is the area where the owners plan to install the garage, a project Mr. Hawkins called a “risky endeavor with many unknowns that could adversely affect the tree.”
Specifically, he outlined concerns about root damage or loss that might result during construction, and the problem of how water and nutrients will reach the roots once a garage is built above them.
An order of conditions issued in January by the conservation commission authorized work at the site, but directed the builders to take precautions with regard to the tree. “Prior to any work on this site, the applicant shall provide a protocol of specific measures that will be taken to protect the historic pagoda tree from any damage during and after construction,” the order reads in part.
The amended order approved last week allows for the construction of a cantilevered garage. The structure would be supported partly by the foundation of a previous garage and partly by two support piers, which would be installed on the north side to reduce interference with the delivery of water to the roots.
Hand digging at the site will allow the workers to avoid roots when choosing a spot for the support piers, Mr. Fuller said.
The proposal also includes a plan to provide water and nutrients to the tree. “The proposal that they have I think is very sensitive and innovative and other than doing nothing, I think this minimizes any potential impacts,” he said.
Mr. Hawkins, the arborist, agreed, writing in a letter in October that the “cultivation/aeration process and fertilizer application will help improve the soil and the tree’s ability to counteract any negative effects of the construction and encourage root growth in that area.”
This is not the first time that the tree has been threatened by a home expansion. In 2003 the town commissioned an appraisal of the pagoda and also a nearby linden tree when an abutting property owner was involved in an expansion project and requesting removal of the tree. The appraisal was requested “for the town’s records and for public awareness of the value of shade trees,” a report said at the time. “A tree of this size and stature is irreplaceable and priceless. No amount of money could ever justify its removal,” the report said.
The appraised landscape value of the tree was $98,600.
Comments
I remember standing under
Susan Berlin Yarmouth Port, MAI remember standing under that tree, looking up at the branches that reached across the street, having survived so many storms, for so many generations - and feeling a true sense of wonder. I'm sure that hundreds, if not thousands, of others have been similarly inspired.
Forget the garage. They can park their cars in their new swimming pool.
Agreed! The whole point (to
Diana Conway Potomac MD & VH MAAgreed! The whole point (to me,a seasonal resident) of MV is nature & its elements first---not garages
We have vacationed on the
Cathy O'Connor Melrose MAWe have vacationed on the Island for years. The Pagoda Tree is one of my favorite sights to see. I have chronicled the growth of this beautiful tree and that of my children beneath this beloved tree. Yes, every year I take a corny touristy family vacation picture of my boys ( much to their chagrin)at the base of the tree. Every year I marval at the trees growth and that of my children. It would be such a loss to so many folks fir so many reasons if this tree was to be lost for the convienence of a parking spot.
My community, and several
P. Frawley Princeton, NJMy community, and several others across the country, have Shade Tree Commissions that protect the tree canopy from this sort of senseless destruction. There are several websites ( I Tree for one) that offer benefits of trees which includes not only shade but cooling effects. Once destroyed, there is no way to recover from this assault to the environment and heritage.
Great idea-- park the cars in
Fancy Feather West TisburyGreat idea-- park the cars in their new swimming pool, or put a parking garage above their new swimming pool. Why must people come in, spend millions, and still think do whatever they want. That tree is is an icon, a part of the fabric of Edgartown. The plan for cantilevering the garage, nutrients to the root system, etc., etc.,--sorry--that tree will suffer from stress no matter what. Let their pool boy keep their cars washed for them.
Surely the people that bought
concerned tisburySurely the people that bought the property knew the relevance of this tree! I say protect the tree!
I think these measures are
Douglas Korves AIA Edgewater, NJI think these measures are judicious. However, a drain in the garage to an enclosed sealed cistern and a pump to an accessible drum might be wise if there ever was a fuel spill or oil leak from the 29 Dusenburg or the 36 Chord which will be garaged under the shade of this tree.
How on Earth anyone could
Pam Kaczer Cheshire, CTHow on Earth anyone could even think of doing anything that would endanger such a historical artifact is beyond my comprehension. One of the best things about the Vineyard is how its citizens protect its beauty from such destruction. I say bravo to all those who care enough about this wonderful tree, its history and beauty of Edgartown to put a stop to the recklessness and apparent cavalier attitude of those wanted to build a darn garage.
Protect the tree...
Diane Hubbard Ragosta VermontProtect the tree...
The house next door which was
Pagoda Supporter EdgartownThe house next door which was renovated two years ago was done on speculation and sold after the renovation was completed obviously done so for the purpose of 'flipping' to make money. This house is probably no different, it would be a shame if the Pagoda Tree enjoyed literally by millions of people over the years, suffered at the hands of someone who is in the project merely for financial gain. If that's not the case, the new owners still didn't appear to have much regard for the importance of the tree or its relevance to the historical value to the town, visitors, year round residents let alone the impact on the surrounding environment, if removed.
The first thing to do when
Craig ApplemanThe first thing to do when buying a vacation home in Edgartown is build a garage, thrilling.
Imagine walking through
Patty Stuart FloridaImagine walking through Edgartown and instead of seeing this beautiful tree and being awestruck as you marvel and bask in its glory, instead you see a garage....because if the home owners carry through with their plans, the garage will survive the shock, the tree won't, please save the tree
The fact that this garage was
Marian Nagle East windsor,njThe fact that this garage was even conditionally approved is distressing; did these new owners not see that there property was next to the tree? What of their architects? Did they not know of the significance of the tree, and if not, they are obviously not local. I find this whole debate rather disingenuous , and I hope the local community stops the garage from being built at all. One can live without a garage, but the tree should be given precedence over the new property owners whims.Money cannot buy everything, even on the vineyard.
The problem is, on the
Debbie Pedersen NorwayThe problem is, on the Vineyard, money often does buy everything. That's why many of the once living, vibrant towns are ghost towns during the winter. Money used for preservation, education, community building is good. Money used for destructive change, disregarding community wishes, traditions and concerns is not. I do so hope that the final decisions made here are not another example of the latter. Trees need root space. You CANNOT cut off a little here and a little there, and hope for the best. At worst fall, after all these wonderful renovations, what if the tree should die and collapse on the area? My my, what a mess! What a revenge of nature!
The tree is an irreplaable
Katherine New YorkThe tree is an irreplaceable treasure!
Having grown up in Vineyard
Maureen PaHaving grown up in Vineyard Haven I still mourn the loss of our Linden tree. These trees are part of our lives and should be protected at all cost over development.
The VH Linden tree was killed
tom hodgson wtThe VH Linden tree was killed by Title 5 septic regulations. When a new septic went in near the tree, the digging was deep and extensive, and the tree was unable to survive the shock of the root amputations.
The idea of compromising the
Lynne Brook EdgartownThe idea of compromising the tree in any way in reprehensible.
Can they get a reduced rate & use the Park & Ride lot at the triangle?
They can use the yacht for Oak Bluffs & VH & the helicopter when they eat up island.
Well said Lynne Brook!! :D
Debbie Pedersen NorwayWell said Lynne Brook!! :D
I agree, Lynne, and why don't
Blair Staten EdgartownI agree, Lynne, and why don't they have a separate property to house their cars and drivers? Are they barbarians or what!?
I think I shall never see
Jim Pringle Vineyard HavenI think I shall never see
a garage lovely as a tree
Garage's are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
Thank you Joyce Kilmer
Love this Jim maybe our
Bob EdgartownLove this Jim maybe our Edgartown Poet Steve Ewing could expand on this.
So right you are Jim...
Edgartownie Rochester, MASo right you are Jim...
Thank you Joyce Kilmer
Is there no end to private
Richard Barbieri Oak BluffsIs there no end to private arrogance in America? The 2003 imbecile who wanted the tree removed is even worse. All over coastal Massachusetts, people are attempting to alter the landscape and the seascape for their own private advantage. A writer whose name I can't recall once said "A people who will not sacrifice for the common good cannot expect to have any common good." That's where we're heading.
One of the truly great
The Resortman/Ralf Pirozzi EdgartownOne of the truly great treasures on the Vineyard
We should not be surprised
Tom Carson West TisburyWe should not be surprised that the CEO of CarMax and his wife are willing to risk damaging this awesome specimen tree for a swanky car garage add on to their trophy home. We should expect town leaders to ignore deference and flat out just say no to their proposals. We can hope the town attorney will look up "coming to the nuisance" and argue that any remedy the homeowner might propose presents an unreasonable risk of damage to the public welfare. Courts will agree.
Edgartown needs to read these
Aron Edgartown and NHEdgartown needs to read these comments. The tree should stay unmolested.
As a tree guy, I have brought
Tim Boland West TisburyAs a tree guy, I have brought several botanists and horticulturists to see this tree. At its current age it is in the very last stages of its life,
senescence is the term mosts often applied to this stage. While lots of options exist to try and mitigate the damage to this tree, honestly,
at its age it will not respond positively to anything that damages its root system. Its not going to catch a second wind and grow as vitally as it could if left alone. Its physiology and current predisposition (as a darn old tree) means that it will rapidly decline, much in the way a elderly person would if asked to run an extra few miles.
I lived several years on the
Steve Boylston Summerdale AlabamaI lived several years on the Vineyard., and one thing that I like was the really big trees. The wonderful Homes there are beautiful as well.. The difference being a home is dead object as a majestic tree is full of life.l and once you damage their home of soil and roots., there is no reversal plan, then the owner says " oh well, we got what we wanted for our purposes" then the tree is removed to a fire pit or landfill. I have been labeled as a Tree hugger for years, the reason why is I don't care about a garage for some junk car that will rust away or the junk in the Garage., I met Julia Butterfly Hill years ago., incase you forgot she stayed up in a huge Tree in Oregon for over a year., to stop this disaster the Edgartown Select Men have to become like her and take a stand., no Garage, no damage to the site that will endanger a Giant that cannot defend itself., the Tree is Living History., all of Edgartown show your worth ., show up in support of the Tree, and organize protest., enough is enough. My ancestors were on the Mayflower and saw Massachusetts when it was a Forest. Boylston Street is named in their Honor., because they stood against the British., so take a stand and do not back down and remember the worst word in the world for this Tree is Compromise, that means the Tree lost the Battle.
Whit all the MILLIONS of
Mel Shatcher London EnglandWhit all the MILLIONS of dollars these people have, the Limo and driver can transport them for the 4 weeks a year they use the house. Don't blink! No garage. If the tree dies, a huge fine should be collected to import thousands of new tre s.
By all means, save the tree!
Beth Tavino ColoradoBy all means, save the tree! What is the matter with people who buy into a place and have to change it? No appreciation for the beauty of nature, or the concept that the Pagoda tree has been enjoyed by so many for so many years. Selfish unconscious morons.
Thomas Folliard is the
Paulli D EdgartownThomas Folliard is the President and CEO of CarMax. Look it up on the web. Protect the tree and buy another lot to build your garage sir.
What is going on in Edgartown
MARTHA WANNAMAKER Cable,WIWhat is going on in Edgartown with the trees? Looking at the public notices this week,lots of people want to remove trees...how do you think the town will look clear cut?
You can find out by looking
Carla EdgartownYou can find out by looking at Marthas Vineyard Antique Photos. The whole island was once devoid of trees.
Thanks Carla, Trees sure do
MARTHA WANNAMAKER Cable,WIThanks Carla, Trees sure do improve the view!!
It disgusting to think anyone
Joe EdgartownIt disgusting to think anyone could be so thoughtless to consider risking damage to a 175 year old special tree so they can put in a garage. Try thinking about others and not just yourselves for god's sake.
Agree...
Edgartownie Rochester, MAAgree...
Who is the builder/contractor
deshandra brown mvWho is the builder/contractor on this job?
It's incredible that letting
Jill Goodman ChilmarkIt's incredible that letting any harm come to the tree is even a conversation.
owner is the country's most
jackieowner is the country's most successful used car salesmen and he's got the values and taste to match. wouldn't florida or jersey shore be a better fit?
Oh it's just a tree. Everyone
Dutch O VenOh it's just a tree. Everyone calm down. I bet there is another one close by.
I spent a large part of my
Dee Ouchman Isles of LangerhansI spent a large part of my youth in a house across the street from the Giant tree. I even climbed it almost to the top. What a view from up there! It was worth a decent spanking. Somehow (like everything else)it was a lot more Giant when I was little. I do like most of the changes on So. Water St. Cagney's house no longer looks like a used car lot. The "cat lady's house" is vastly improved and even a childhood sweethearts former house got a "lift" over last winter. Even my old house has seen some recent maintenance.
I recall when the roots barely made a lift in the "newish" side walk. I also recall a project to start new trees from cutting from the grand old Giant. What ever happened with that? I'm just curious. Like all things eventually it will die. There is no valid reason to speed up that process. My family will always have fond memories of that Giant that kept watch over us in our house on So. water St.
In lieu of an addition from
Bob Dusa Oak BluffsIn lieu of an addition from Edgartown poet laureate, Steve Ewing, consider the following:
To forsake the Pagoda tree for the garage that may be
erected by owner Tom Follaird is tomfoolery.
May the dogs of the neighborhood enjoy a pee
on the cars' tires that will make them all happy.
P.S. Dutch O Ven will "burn" for his appalling, irrational comment.
Last year we had to take down
B Campbell EdgartownLast year we had to take down a diseased oak tree in our back yard. The tree had been part of our family life for over 40 years and its absence left a big hole in our yard and our hearts. The pagoda tree has been part of the life of Edgartown for much longer and i see no reason to hasten its demise for the sake of convenient parking. Edgartown is becoming a town full of beautiful trophy houses that sit unoccupied for most of the year. The tree lives here year round and deserves to go on doing so, spreading its grace and shade over our town for as long as it can.
Shame on the new property
Brenda OBShame on the new property owners.
Too many wealthy people come here and want to cityize MV.
Let them build a garage below or above the house.
We could boycott CarMax.
Preferably a national
Fred for Trees Greenwich, CT & Vineyard HavenA national boycott of CarMax with the assistance of national conservationists would be preferable! The tree is priceless, not even a fine of $7.9 million would be sufficient if it dies! While the proposed remedies appear reasonable, if they do not work there is no remedy to a 175 year old DEAD Pagoda tree. Rather than react to the pressures of an impending boycott, instead the CEO of CarMax and his family could show decency instead of the self centered behavior the garage demand exhibits. Otherwise, then perhaps Vineyarders will unite to ban all services to the owners, during and post-construction, and that might be a sufficient threat! No dining, no plumbing, no supplies, no invitations etc! Being made a pariah might work, if being decent does not.
i vote in favor of the year
Jamie oak bluffsi vote in favor of the year round resident. (The leafy one)
Stop all building in inner
Debbie (Belisle) Pedersen Spydeberg, NorwayStop all building in inner Edgartown. Honestly people, have some common sense!! By all means save that tree. Or, maybe you just love huge houses built on tiny lots? As crowded as possible? That's what it looks like down there. Who wants to live in a town with wall to wall buidings? Who is responsible for allowing all this destruction? Unless all the trees and gardens are going to be grown in your windowboxes, if the daylight can reach them, stop the building, now!
Please stop the destruction
Cyndi Newton Los AngelesPlease stop the destruction of beautiful trees for oversized ego homes, or else the Vineyard will look like Los Angeles.
If wanting to destroy this
ALMIf wanting to destroy this tree for a garage gives us some insight into how these people value us and our home, then I say, send them packing!
There is no room here for anyone with such insensitive, shallow values.
Or for anyone who shows such disrespect for us and for the things that we cherish.
SAVE THE TREE
Add new comment