In 2006, I was new to teaching in the Wissahickon and learning the trails of Andorra. As I was shown the key trail sites- Andorra Meadow, Cucumber Meadow, The Great Beech- I was taken by it all, but especially by The Great Beech. It was the biggest tree that I had ever seen. Its history sparked my imagination about the land long ago, and how to connect the kids with it presently.
The Great Beech’s existence dates back as far as the mid 19th Century. Theories have circulated for generations, however, there is no known documentation of the exact planting date, origins, or if it is one multi-stemmed tree or five closely planted trees.
What we do know is that the Great Beech is a European Beech, Fagus sylvatica, and was planted between 1853 and 1863 by Richard Wistar as part of a larger beech planting for his anticipated estate. Wistar died before the estate was built, and the land transitioned many times over the next 157 years- Andorra Farm, Andorra Nursery, unused estate land, and eventually Fairmount Park. Through it all, The Great Beech stood strong, and growing.
In 2006, the grandeur of The Great Beech reached Champion status thanks to the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s Champion Tree Program.
With a circumference of 257 inches, a spread of 105 feet, and a height of 102.5 feet, The Great Beech’s measurements made it the largest European Beech tree in Pennsylvania, and the third largest tree in Philadelphia. (The largest being a Katsura Tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, at Morris Arboretum.)
As of 2017, when The Great Beech was reassessed with the preceding measurements, it still held its title. But 157 years has not been easy on our Champion, which is part of what makes it great.
The Great Beech’s health has been quickly declining over the past few years. In any urban park or area, the stress of human use can take its toll. Around The Great Beech, soil has been compacted, roots trampled, and its trunk carved. It has been climbed on, and spray painted. Heat, poor air quality, and disease may also be contributing to its decline.
A European Beech has the potential to live about 250 years, so what seems like an old tree, is actually in its youth. Thinking back to life in its early days, then to the years we spent visiting with kids, measuring it with our hugs, and admiring its beauty, I’m saddened that the next generation will miss out knowing The Great Beech.
But until that day comes, we celebrate.
The Great Beech was celebrated during Love Your Park Day with crafts, photos, books, love letters, and gifts. Click the photographer's name to see their photos from the Celebration of The Great Beech.
Christina Moresi (plus Tree House Staff & Friends), Environmental Education Planner
Brian Rudnick, Up Close with Brian Rudnick
The Great Beech can be visited year-round during park hours. It can be found on Andorra's Yellow Trail, approximately 0.2 miles from the Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House).
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