By Kerri Williams

Those of you who have read my column may know that I am a big fan of trees. So, with Arbor Day coming up on April 24, what better way to recognize the occasion than by learning about Connecticut’s state tree?

The white oak has a lot going for it. It’s at the top of the list of keystone trees, which are the native species that benefit wildlife such as insects and birds. And it looks majestic, creating shade and inspiring awe.

The white oak even has historical significance in the state, as legend has it that the colony’s Royal Charter was hidden in the legendary “Charter Oak” in Hartford, keeping it safe from the British governor. After being a tourist attraction for decades, the ancient tree fell during a storm in 1856. But some descendants from that tree were planted throughout the state, including the white oak on Westport’s Jesup Green.

In my research on oaks, I was lucky enough to have a conversation with Sarah Adair from Westport’s tree board, a big protector and observer of trees in town.

Adair’s favorite white oak in Westport is an enormous one at Sherwood Island State Park. While the picture of the tree is impressive, she recommends seeing it in person for the full experience. 

At the widest part of its trunk, the Sherwood oak measures about 18 feet. It’s not the tallest of oaks, topping off at about 70 or 80 feet, but the width across from the widest branch on either side is 80 or 90 feet.

The reason the tree grew so large around is that it is out in the open with no competition for sunlight, Sarah explained. Other oaks in closer proximity to other trees grow much taller and are impressive in that regard.

To recognize Arbor Day, Adair and the town’s tree warden, Ben Sykas, visit a different elementary school each spring to plant a tree and talk about their importance to some of the youngest tree enthusiasts. Last year it was Greens Farms Elementary School’s turn, and the tree they planted was a white oak. They also handed out stickers with an image of the Sherwood oak, challenging the kids to go out with their parents and find the tree on the sticker.

The Greens Farms Garden Club also realized the importance of the white oak when they planted one 10 years ago at Machamux Park. The 10-year anniversary of the planting would be the perfect time to check out that tree, which was chosen as part of Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s “Growing Together” initiative. 

It’s easy to see why the white oak is chosen for such plantings, as it hosts more than 500 species of insects. Its acorns provide food for wildlife and are a favorite of deer. Having oak trees and other native varieties on your property means you are supporting birds and pollinators, and your gardens are more likely to thrive.

 “If you want a vibrant, living garden, you don’t start by attracting birds directly,” said Paul Rossi, a master gardener living in town. “You start by planting the right native trees and shrubs. Those bring in insects; the insects bring in the birds. Once that system is in place, everything works the way nature intended.”

If you are inspired to plant an oak tree of your own, spring is a good time, according to Adair. She recommends visiting a local nursery to learn more about the different types of oak trees and which one would be most suitable for your yard. She planted an oak tree on her own property that was a smaller variety than the white oak because she had a smaller space to work with. Other conditions to keep in mind are whether your soil is moist or dry and the amount of sunlight the tree will receive.

Placing mulch around the new tree is important, Sarah said, but she cautions not to put it right up to the trunk.  It takes up to 30 years for oak trees to start producing acorns, she added, and they don’t do so every year.

If you are lucky enough to already have a white oak on your property, Sarah recommends having a licensed arborist keep it pruned. “So many people will cut one that don’t know how to do it correctly,” she said. “You can do a lot of damage that way.”

So, with Arbor Day right around the corner, take a moment to think how you will celebrate. And don’t forget to include the white oak, Connecticut’s state tree for good reasons.

Kerri Williams

^{_{Kerri Williams is an award-winning writer and journalist. She has worked as a reporter at the Norwalk Hour, as Living editor at the Darien News-Review, and managing editor for the Norwalk Citizen-News. For Westport Journal, she is a reporter as well as a gardening columnist, writing “Cultivating with Kerri.” She recently published her first children’s book – “Mabel’s Big Move,” based on her daughter with special needs.}}