Ailing oak at BHS: class of ’74 seeks help to save it

The large oak tree near the front of the Brentwood High School Auditorium, at the corner of High School Drive & Bridgeport Avenue, is in trouble, according to a statement from a group of BHS graduates who want to save it.

This grand tree, a friend to students for most of Brentwood High School’s history, is suffering from one or more health issues and is now in serious decline.  You don’t have to be a tree expert to see this for yourself.

This is a post oak (Quercus stellata) and it has graced the BHS campus since the campus’ earliest years.  It probably sprouted, or was planted, at this site only a few years after the central high school building opened to students in 1927.

Not wanting to lose this valuable tree, BHS Principal Ed Johnson recently asked a certified arborist from the Davey Tree Co. to evaluate the tree and propose remedial actions.  The arborist submitted a 3-part proposal which calls for (a) removing all dead branches, (b) deep-feeding the roots, and (c) injecting a fungicide into the trunk to attack oak wilt fungus.

The Class of 1974, as part of our 40th Class Reunion, wishes to help Dr. Johnson save this special tree, which has served as a shady meeting spot for thousands of students over the years.

We therefore are seeking private donations from BHS’s alumni/alumnae to help defray the expenses BHS will incur to treat and care for this tree.

Can you help us?  Without treatment and care, this tree will likely die within the next year or two, and it would take 80 years for a replacement post oak to attain this tree’s size, beauty, and oxygen-generating capability.

If you can, please send or deliver a donation to the Brentwood School District, 1201 Hanley Industrial Court, Brentwood, MO 63144.  And please add the note “John Stewart – Oak Tree” to your gift.  Remember that your donation is a tax-deductible charitable gift.

Thank you!

The Brentwood High School Class of 1974