By Chris Hastings
April 30, 2021
Just in time for Arbor Day, the giant Sugarberry Tree (Celtis laevigata) in Old Town has been officially named the “Florida Challenger” for its species. This means that it is the second largest known Sugarberry in the state of Florida.
The Florida Champion Tree Program is run by the Florida Forest Service. According to Will Liner, Urban Forestry Program Manager with the Florida Forest Service, “The Florida Champion Trees program is open to all tree species that grow in our state except those listed as invasive exotics by the Florida Pest Plant Council. The Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) in Old Town is the second largest tree of its species in the Florida Champion Tree register, earning it the title of Florida Challenger in our program. If you would like to learn more about Florida Champion Trees or nominate a tree of your own, please visit our website at www.FDACS.gov.”
There are important ecological reasons for the Champion Tree search, but sometimes it is just pure fun. In fact, Amelia Island is home to two other Florida Champion Trees: the Tough Bumelia (Sideroxylon tenax) and the Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda). Given the historic nature of the island, there could be other large specimens waiting to be discovered.
The Old Town Sugarberry happens to be on a lot recently purchased by Chris and Amy Hastings. Chris is an arborist and is thrilled to be the new caretaker of this historic tree. According to Chris, “It is particularly fun for an arborist to find a Champion or even a Challenger Tree. It is even more rewarding to have one under your care.” Chris and Amy plan on making the tree a centerpiece of their new garden on Garden Street.
The current Champion Sugarberry in Hamilton County has not been measured in 8 years and was in poor condition at its last measurement. The Old Town Sugarberry could be the new Florida Champion sooner than we think.
My kind of news story! Thank you and what a magnificent tree.
Thank you to the Hastings for caring for this tree. Amelia Tree Conservancy thanks all homeowners who care for our beautiful trees.
What an awesome tree! Thank you to the homeowners for sharing this news about the tree and the Florida Tree Champion Program
Hooray for treehuggers Chris & Amy!
So fortunate that the tree is on the corner, and not the center of a vacant building lot. This tree is lucky to have the new owner to watch over it.
Wow, second largest Sugarberry tree in Fl……fantastic!! Let’s keep all our trees!!
Fantastic to recognize this tree and give it its due respect. It is unfortunate that the sugarberry, laurel oaks, and others are often looked upon as “expendable” trees. It is interesting to note the multi-trunk growth on this spectacular tree, as is typical of the sugarberry, which is often used as a reason for removal due to possible weakness.
I have watched no fewer than 7 sugarberries of similar size and vitality be removed completely from the 3 properties surrounding me with the proclamation of “potential hazard” given as criterion. In addition to loss of habitat and food source for the hawks, owls, cedar waxwings and others, the temperature of my home and property is noticeably warmer without the cooling effect these trees once brought.
Perhaps recognition of this amazing tree can help others realize the beauty and benefits such specimens can add to a property, not to mention value. Thank you Chris and Amy!!