The magnificent live oak tree located along University Drive was officially approved
for the Heritage Tree designation by the city of Fort Worth. The tree known as the
TCU 鈥渙riginal oak,鈥� east of Reed and Jarvis halls, was planted early in TCU鈥檚 history
when the campus was just developing.
TCU applied for the tree鈥檚 recognition through the city of Fort Worth Forestry Department.
The program promotes public awareness that trees are living and distinct resources
for the Fort Worth community, documenting both living trees and memorialized trees
that are no longer standing.
鈥淭he TCU Grounds Team puts tons of effort into caring for all of our campus trees,
but the Heritage Tree recognition for this particular tree is a meaningful reminder
of just how much TCU has impacted the city,鈥� said Erik Trevino, director of landscaping
and grounds at TCU. 鈥淭his tree has been enjoyed by the residents of Fort Worth and
the campus community for decades.鈥�
Fort Worth approved the live oak tree for Heritage Tree status based on its well-documented
history and contribution to campus, as well as the legacy of the tree throughout various
phases of development. Fort Worth announced new Heritage Trees at the city鈥檚 Arbor
Day celebration this month, and it is now featured on the city鈥檚 .
鈥淚n the past few years, our team has installed a large mulch ring around this tree
to help provide the best growing conditions to thrive,鈥� Trevino said.
The recognition of this oak tree also aligns with TCU鈥檚 award-winning reputation as
a Tree Campus USA, an honor bestowed on the university by the Arbor Day Foundation for eight consecutive
years. As part of the status, TCU hosts an annual Arbor Day event. Most recently,
the university planted a bur oak for Texas Arbor Day with the help of Garden Frogs
and the Frog Aides student group.
TCU Original Oak Achieves Heritage Tree Status
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