Historic ginkgo tree removed from Parke County Public Library grounds

Despite its beauty, the tree’s roots had compromised the integrity of the building’s foundation, leaving the library with no other option. Photo Credit: Veteran Tree Trimming

A piece of local history was removed yesterday as an 80-year-old ginkgo tree in front of the Parke County Public Library was taken down due to structural damage it had caused to the library’s foundation.

Veteran Tree Trimming, the company responsible for the removal, addressed community concerns in a public statement: “The tree was healthy, and its colors were brilliant, but in the end, they had to make the hard choice to preserve the library for years to come.”

The tree, admired for its golden autumn foliage, was estimated to be around 80 years old, based on growth ring analysis. Despite its beauty, the tree’s roots had compromised the integrity of the building’s foundation, leaving the library with no other option.

“This was just one of those ‘no win’ situations,” the company noted, encouraging property owners to remain mindful of the long-term effects trees can have on surrounding structures.

The decision has sparked a wave of reflection among library patrons and residents, many of whom regarded the tree as a local landmark. While its absence is a loss, library officials are focusing on preserving the building as a community resource for generations to come.