Massive rotting tree cut down in Oak Park

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 11:41 AM

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Photos courtesy of Eric Brightfield

A photo taken in 1967 shows the tree that was removed at 424 N. Grove, between the house and the driveway.
Courtesy of Jack Barclay

Another photo taken in 1967 shows the tree to the right of the yellow house.
Courtesy of Jack Barclay

A photo taken of the tree only a few months before it was removed.
Courtesy of Jack Barclay

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By Readers

Eric Brightfield snapped these photos of the aftermath of a massive tree removal on Saturday, April 16.

The tree was removed from the front yard of a home on the 400 block of N. Grove. Oak Park Forestry Superintendent, Jim Semelka, inspected the remaining stump on Tuesday and said that because the tree was not on the parkway, a private tree removal service would have been responsible for the removal. Semelka said that the stump showed signs of rot and was likely the reason for the removal of the tree.

If you've taken some great photos in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, share them on the reader submitted photo blog. Email your photos along with a brief description and where the photo was taken to evan@oakpark.com.

Reader Comments

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Scott Concertman Facebook Verified

Posted: September 30th, 2014 5:57 PM

Clearly the only rotted area I can see is in the oldest heartwood of trunk which could only be observed after "Still structurally sound" trees removal. Article did not mention why cut down but could not be old age since this Elm was only a 120 teenager with native lifespan of 300 yrs.. Did it succumb to Dutch Elm disease fungus? I guess not cause trees wood then useless and needed special disposal. If first owner planted it, tree is 8-12 yrs older than house. Could have been native already growing when house built too cause its in strange spot. Rot could have ben produced from outside environment entering old cut wound above.

Brian from Stickney,IL

Posted: July 8th, 2011 10:43 AM

County Tree Service, Inc. from Stickney,IL removed it. It was Oak tree.

Edward O'Brien from Oak Park

Posted: April 19th, 2011 6:28 PM

What type of tree was it?

Eric Brightfield

Posted: April 19th, 2011 1:13 PM

A lumber company picked the logs up early this morning. I asked them what they do with the logs since they are so large and he said that they create old style "true dimensional" lumber that is used in renovation work in old houses. and the rest they create heavy duty pallets since it is hardwood, not pine. So maybe that wood will soon find its way back to Oak Park!.

Dan Haley from Wednesday Journal Facebook Verified

Posted: April 19th, 2011 12:16 PM

Hey Eric, when you wrote us and said those were some massive logs you weren't joshing us! Thanks for sending the pix. Dan

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