Granby Oak Recovering From Storm, Collision Damage

, minus the limb that once grew above and across Day Street, is recovering from significant damage caused by several truck collisions and the severe October 2011 snowstorm.

Although the long-term health of the tree isn’t completely assured, Granby Land Trust President Rick Orluk sounded positive about the future of the oak. The land trust, which acts as the steward of the tree, has worked with town officials and volunteer arborists to mitigate damage, encourage growth and to protect the Granby Oak’s continued existence.

The tree, a symbol of the town that has grown for more than 350 years, had strong leaf growth this year, displaying good color, size and density. The tree’s canopy is looking good as well, according to Orluk.

Arborist Brian Watkins, a Granby native and dedicated volunteer who has worked with the oak for many years, told Orluk that the tree is currently living off of its starch reserves and that it will need to be examined again in the next growing season. But Orluk was positive about the Granby Oak’s prospects.

“We’re continuing to watch it closely,” he said, noting that the land trust has taken “timely, appropriate measures” to promote the tree’s health.

Orluk said the tree’s significance to the town is at the forefront of the Granby Land Trust’s considerations. A strong working relationship with town officials is in place and the land trust sincerely values the support and volunteer work provided by town residents as well.

Day Street has seen increased use by commercial trucks and other vehicles as GPS devices have become more prevalent among drivers, Orluk said. Despite increased town signage warning drivers and offering opportunities to bypass the oak, at least three trucks have struck the tree in the past few years. But the worst damage came in late 2011.

“Then, just before the storm, the Oak sustained a major impact from a southbound truck that actually fractured the limb where it connects to the trunk,” Orluk wrote in an update from the land trust about the tree’s health. “On top of that came all of the stress from Storm Alfred’s snow load.”

As those who experienced it can attest, one of the most damaging effects of that storm was the increased weight placed on trees that still held their leaves from the previous spring. Because of the increased surface area, more snow, and therefore more mass and more stress, was placed on trees in the storm’s area of effect. Orluk said the limb had become a “serious public safety issue.”

“It shows you how devastating the storm was,” he said.

Following consideration by multiple arborists, including Watkins and another tree expert brought in by the town, the limb was eventually removed by Watkins and his company, East Hartland-based Arborworks.

Orluk had special praise for Watkins and his dedication to the Granby Oak.

“He’s generously donated his time over the years,” Orluk said.