Champion Chinquapin Oak

This magnificent tree is runner-up to the Texas state champion Chinquapin. It is listed in the Texas Forest Service's Registry of Big Trees and is the official Bexar County champion. You can see it grow in the front yard at 326 Ave Maria, in the North Shearer Hills neighborhood. For more info see Texas Big Tree Registry.

Unfortunately, Public Works crews are excavating inside the tree's dripline to construct drainage culverts. Neighbor Oscar Williams and City Arborist Mark Bird are struggling with construction personnel to force them to protect the tree and its extensive root system.

Initially, crews tore down a protective fence erected to reduce root injuries and soil compaction.

click to enlarge

In reaction, Bird ordered the contractor to erect a chain link fence and required that a City supervisor be on site whenever construction activities occurred near the tree. However, William's continued vigilance was still necessary, and is chronicled in this photo essay Protecting the Bexar Champion Chinquapin Oak.