As part of the plans for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence on July 4, 2026, the Revolutionary Rye 250 Committee has begun the “RR250 Preservation Tree Initiative.”
The goal is to identify many trees that qualify for listing in the Rye Preservation Tree Registry, maintained by the Rye Sustainability Committee.
This initiative revives a 1976 contest held during 1976’s Bicentennial celebration to identify trees that are at least 200 years old on pubic and private property in Rye. Nineteen trees met the “Bicentennial” criteria, and 25 others were judged to be close to the minimum age.
Although some of those trees have died, many are still alive, including a magnificent swamp white oak in Rye Recreation Park on Midland Avenue that is more than 300 years old. There are many more yet to be identified.
Continuing this initiative will help to ensure the preservation of Rye’s historic trees and continue the many benefits they provide us and future generations, including natural beauty, improved air quality, valuable shade, and biodiversity.
Residents, whether homeowners or renters, are encouraged to submit a RR250 Preservation Tree form (see details below), identifying trees in Rye that are known or believed to be at least 200 years old, except invasive species (Norway Maple and Tree of Heaven). RR250 Committee members are also working with public partners in Rye to identify qualifying trees that are growing on city, school, club, park, and other properties.
On July 4, 2026, the RR250 Committee will announce which trees, aged 200 years and older, have been added to the Rye Preservation Tree Registry that will contain information about their location, species, and ages.
Following are some guidelines for determining the approximate age of a tree. You also can retain an arborist to help you make the calculation:
Determine its species by taking a photo of a leaf or bark and using an app like PictureThis or Lens for identification. It is best to measure when there are leaves on the tree.
Use a tape to measure its circumference around the trunk (CF) about 4.5 feet from the ground; then calculate its diameter (DI) in inches by dividing the CF by pi (3.14).
Multiply the DI by the growth factor (GF) of the tree, which is based on the average growth rate of a particular tree species under typical conditions. Among the best online apps for finding growth factors is MY TREE ID.
Note that differences can vary within similar species, e.g., a faster growing silver maple has a lower GF (3.0) while a slower growing Sugar maple has a higher GF (5.5). For example: assume the CF of a Sugar maple is 133 inches and, when divided by 3.14 (pi), its DI is 42.4. When that number is multiplied by 5.5 (GF), you can see that estimated age is 233 years.
Contact me at pdefhicks@gmail.com for RR250 Preservation Tree Forms and for any other information. The forms also can be obtained at the office of the Rye City Clerk in City Hall and can be submitted there.
