Davidson Treasure Trees
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Recognizing and celebrating Davidson’s oldest and grandest trees!
The Davidson Treasure Tree program is made possible because of the generous support
from Trane Technologies, an outstanding conservation partner for Davidson Lands Conservancy.
Read more about Trane Technologies sustainability and environmental commitments.
What is a Treasure Tree?
The Davidson Treasure Trees Program seeks to locate the original Treasure Trees and tell their stories, as well as recognize a new generation of special trees by sharing their ecological importance to the region’s environment. Treasure Trees include large or physically unique specimens, rare trees, or trees of cultural or historical significance. Local tree enthusiasts, private arborists, Davidson College representatives, and Davidson Lands Conservancy staff, all collaborate to identify and catalog these remarkable trees.
How do we score Treasure Trees?
The Davidson Treasure Tree program uses the American Forests Champion Tree formula:
x = Tree Trunk Circumference (Inches)
y = Tree Height (Feet)
z = Tree’s Average Crown Spread (Feet)
x + y + (z/4) = Total Points
We also record the diameter at breast height (DBH), year the tree was recognized, tree condition, ecological value to our area, and its unique story or history.
Our Treasure Trees
#001 Willow Oak
DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES #001 Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) This Willow Oak is known as the "Delburg Tree". It was planted in
#002 Dawn Redwood
DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES #002 Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) This Dawn Redwood is said to have been planted by Dr. James Reed
#003 Pecan
DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES #003 Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) This pecan tree was planted shortly after the construction of the house on site
#004 Eastern Cottonwood
DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES #004 Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) There is no information on the specific origins of this cottonwood at this
#005 Hackberry
DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES #005 Hackberry (Celtis laevigata) There is no information on the specific origins of this Hackberry at this time.
#006 Sugar Maple
DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES #006 Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) This Sugar Maple was planted as a seedling when the home on site
How will YOU take action?
We all have a choice to make. Will we help protect the trees that sustain and delight us—or just hope someone else does? One thing is certain: Your decision to support conservation will be felt for generations to come. Small acts…big changes…every step you take is a step in the right direction.