ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University will remove a large green ash tree that stands on College Green in front of Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

The tree, believed to be more than 200 years old, will be removed under the recommendation of arboricultural consultants who designated it a potential danger. The wood will be donated to local artisans to make plaques and gift items.

"Since the green ash has advanced age, is genetically unstable and located in a high traffic area, it is unsuitable for retention," said Ohio University Director of Grounds, Recycling and Refuse Mark Whitney. "We plan to replace the tree with a disease resistant American elm on the same green where Dutch elm disease killed many McGuffey elms more than 50 years ago.

When in decline, green ash trees often shed their branches and limbs, which can weigh more than a ton, without warning. They also do not respond well to treatments to delay senescence such as fertilization and vertical mulching. Other signs of decline in the tree include deadwood in its foliar crown and decay in its root crown.

As part of its aggressive tree planting and replacement program, Grounds has planted 571 new trees on campus since July 1998.

"This tree has been under scrutiny by the Department of Grounds for several years because of its obvious decline," Whitney said. "Ohio University will never harbor a hazard because safety is always our first concern."