You could say she’s been a resident of The Duke Mansion and the Myers Park area for around 250 years. And now she’s made her departure.
A grand, 250-year-old tulip poplar was cut down this week from the grounds of The Duke Mansion. The tree was there when James Buchanan Duke renovated The Mansion for his family in 1919. With the help of its arborist, The Duke Mansion has babied the tree for many years but it could no longer be saved. It took more than a day to remove the tree.
While it’s sad to see this grand dame make her exit, this is a story of renewal. Next to the tulip poplar, there are three other trees. One is a brother tulip that’s probably also 200 years old. The two others are young tulip poplars planted as part of The Duke Mansion’s 100th Anniversary in 2015. In generations to come, those trees may reach the heights of the elders they will replace.
The Duke Mansion site includes more than four historic acres of grounds and gardens open to all to visit. It’s costly for The Mansion, a non-profit, to take care of this community resource. The Mansion spends about $30,000 annually to preserve its trees, although this year, storms have pushed that figure closer to $60,000.
During a visit to The Mansion’s grounds and gardens, you’ll see many trees and shrubs added as part of The Mansion’s 100th Anniversary, along with oaks and elms that are more than 100 years old. The Mansion is located at 400 Hermitage Road in Myers Park.
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