Historic sycamore tree outside Rutherford County courthouse to be removed

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The last surviving sycamore tree originally planted at the corners of the Rutherford County courthouse has been scheduled to be removed in November.

The county estimated the tree’s age to be between 179 and 184, however, they added that the tree has been ailing for years. Rob Kraker, a member of the International Society of Aboriculture and “Tree Whisperer,” tried to help by conducting a root cellar excavation process. Ultimately, though, that effort was unsuccessful due to a harsh winter and storm damage that the tree later sustained.

A Rutherford County historian, Greg Tucker, wrote about the tree.

“The tree was the oldest living thing on the square, the Courthouse Sycamore evidences our community’s legacy and expansive history,” Tucker said.

However, not all hope is lost. Rutherford County mayor Joe Carr directed that a graft be obtained from the current tree. That way, a genetically identical sycamore could be planted at the courthouse. A replacement tree will be placed in the spot where the sycamore currently stands until a new genetic line is planted in the spot.

If you have fond memories of the tree, you are encouraged to share them here. Other activities to honor the tree will be planned and announced later. A video sharing the tree’s history and memories will be posted to the county website.