On Arbor Day, What's More Lovely Than the Bebb Oak Tree?

There are no birth certificates for trees.

So Jerry Lee, forester for the city of Rochester Hills, can only guess the age of the Bebb Oak Tree at Livernois and Auburn roads.

"I would say 200 years, at least — probably 250," Lee said. "With a tree that big, it's hard to tell without damaging the tree. But it was probably here when the first settlers came to our area."

Today is Arbor Day, a day to celebrate, plant and appreciate trees like the Bebb Oak. A sign near the tree, which is symbolized in the city's logo, proclaims it "America's Largest Bebb Oak on Record."

Lee described its status. It's co-champion for the largest tree of its kind in the state, along with another Bebb Oak in Charlotte,  he said. It's measured by a formula involving its height, trunk circumference and crown spread.

It's not on any known national registry because those don't recognize hybrid trees, which is how the Bebb Oak is classified.

"It's survived all of these years. It's a strong tree," said Mike Hartner, the city's director of parks and forestry.

Two official ceremonies are planned.

•   City leaders will gather at Howlett Park at 10 a.m. to plant an oak tree.
• City leaders will gather at Stoney Creek Schoolhouse at 4 p.m. to plant a green mountain sugar maple tree.

The public is welcome to attend both events.

For more local tree lore, see on Oakland Township Patch.