Elm Tree comes down

The stately Elm tree which presided over the courtyard of Richmond's First Baptist Church since before the church building was erected in 1927, was removed July 20 & 21. The 100+ year-old tree had been deteriorating for several years, showing the effects of termites, tree borers and Dutch Elm Disease. In recent months it had become a hazard with huge dead limbs hanging precariously over the bell tower. Workers from Davey Tree Service worked for two days cutting the branches and gently lowering them to the ground, while not damaging the shrubs, lawn, bricks, bell tower and other trees nearby. The removal of the main trunk came just before noon on July 21. Video by Allen Cumbia and David Powers. Photos by Allen Cumbia.