Historic tree that predates dedication of Washington Monument topples outside landmark

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — A historic tree that predates the dedication of the Washington Monument toppled outside of the iconic structure this weekend, and now efforts are being made to try to save it.

The National Park Service said Monday that the saturated ground caused the mulberry tree on the grounds of the Washington Monument to topple. The NPS added that its tree crew is currently weighing options to save the tree.

“It’s the only mature tree that’s anywhere in the vicinity of the monument within a 360, so it’s been the subject of photographs for years and years and years,” said Jason Gillis, an arborist with the National Park Service.

The fall comes after heavy weekend rainfall in D.C. The past year, 2018, also was the wettest year on record in the nation’s capital, with 66.28 inches of year. The previous record of 61.33 inches was set in 1889.

“Yeah, it’s very sad,” said Ivan Chaluvka, a passerby who stopped to snap a few photos of the tree.

Right now, crews are continuing studies. They plan to move the tree more upright and ultimately redesign the tree’s form to get it healthy and standing again.

“There’s a good chance that by being this species, it can handle whatever we are going to throw at it as we try to remediate the situation,” Gillis said.

The Washington Monument was formally dedicated on Feb. 21, 1885, meaning the tree is at least 134 years old. The monument – which commemorates George Washington, the United States’ first president – was completed in 1884 and opened to the public in 1888.