Sounds like Herbie’s toast dude.
The "Treaty Elm" — In what is now Penn Treaty Park, the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn, is said to have entered into a treaty of peace with native Indians under a picturesque elm tree immortalized in a painting by Benjamin West. West made the tree, already a local landmark, famous by incorporating it into his painting after hearing legends (of unknown veracity) about the tree being the location of the treaty
.. . . . "His time has come," Knight said. "And mine is about due, too." Knight, who uses a walker, jokes that his secret to a long life is raw spinach and beer, which he has each day for lunch. He rides a stationary bike for a mile each day, as well. He admits that he doesn't understand his own longevity any more than he understands Herbie's. Knight's father died when he was 3, his mother when he was 4. . . . . ..
we have 600 year old live oaks here in Louisiana and i’d be heartbroken to see them die of a disease.
Very sad, but the Creator knows what he’s doing.
By herbie, you had a good run
The tree, nicknamed Herbie and acclaimed as the tallest and oldest elm in New England, survived 14 bouts of Dutch elm disease in all, thanks to Knight's devotion. Now the disease ravages again and Herbie is too weak to fight back. Knight, now 101, said there's nothing else he can do to save the tree he's watched over for five decades... Herbie, estimated to be about 240 years old, will be cut down Jan. 18. Knight, consulted by tree experts who made the decision, is resigned that the end has come.Ouch. Thanks D.