With a trunk circumference of 216 inches (measured in 2010; see pabigtrees.com), this tree has been designated a Penn Charter Tree. Penn Charter Trees are thought to be 325 years old or more; that is, the tree has been dated back to at least 1682, when William Penn arrived on American shores.
In terms of size, this specimen is among the top three dozen White Oaks in Pennsylvania.
This amazing species grows slowly and is difficult to transplant, but it’s so valuable for shade and ornamental appeal that builders make extra effort to save the tree at construction sites.
[Photo is from pabigtrees.com.]
Halfred Wertz, Joy Callendar, Jim Smoker