Tree Information
Common Name: sweetgum
Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 1965
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Trunk Girth: 218 in.
Tree Height: 102 ft.
Crown Spread: 80 ft.
Points: 340
Date Last Measured: 2023
Last Measured by: Mary Farrah and Melissa Gildea
Date First Measured: 2012
Comments:
2023 update: This is a really old, beautiful tree that is in excellent condition throughout. One small dead branch was noted in the canopy. The branch had been wind-sheared off. It is not crown dieback. The tree is completely healthy. The property owners love their tree! The trunk has 3 leaders, two of which are completely fused just above 54 inches. Therefore, the CBH of this section of the trunk is 187 inches in circumference. The single, right leader is solid with the rest of the trunk at about 42 inches above the ground. The narrowest section of this leader between 42 inches and 54 inches is 77 inches in circumference. The trunk circumference of the narrowest point below 42 inches is 218 inches.
2012 update:
Rod Simmons and Greg Zell measured and scored this tree several years ago, but somehow didn't get the nomination in at that time. Current measurements are likely larger than the ones of several years ago. Older measurements were as follows: circumference of 218", height of 97', and crown width of 83', with a total score of 336. The tree is valued by the homeowner and is completely healthy and survived the strong winds of June's derecho and Hurricane Sandy this year (2012) with no damage.
It and other large swamp trees nearby are surviving relics of the vast Pleistocene-age river terrace and backswamp communities that once extended throughout Del Ray, Rosemont, and Old Town, as well as Tarleton Park and other Holmes-Cameron Run stream valley locales, in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. (See "Surficial Geology - Expanded Explanation", from Geologic Atlas of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and Vicinity by Tony Fleming: https://www.alexandriava.gov/parks/basic-page/geology for more on the geohydrology of the Old Town river terrace and associated backswamps).
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: City of Alexandria
Land Owner: Jeffrey and Nancy Lopez
GPS Coordinates: 38.8132541, -77.062576
Directions: The tree is located in the back yard of 5 W. Oak St. in the Rosemont section of Alexandria adjacent to Old Town. Just off Commonwealth Ave. in the Rosemont section of the City of Alexandria adjoining Old Town.
Owner Address: 5 W. Oak St
Alexandria, VA 22301
Contact Information
Contact Name: Rod Simmons
Contact Email: Rod.Simmons@alexandriava.gov
Contact Address: 2900-A Business Center Dr.
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Rod Simmons
Other Nominators: Greg Zell
Additional Information
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