Community

History revisited...
300 year old State Champion Oak

Pennsylvania’s largest black oak, the 110 foot tall champion black oak, located on property now owned by White Rock Inc., stood untouched for generations until concerned arborist, with support of Penn National developers, undertook an Arbor Day project to help preserve the majestic tree. The tree has a root system that extends more than 200 feet from the trunk, which is 21 feet in circumference.

Armed with rigging, chain saws, and hundreds of feet of specialized cable a skilled team of arborists including Cumberland Valley Tree Service expert staff climbed into the tree’s branches that threatened the health of the tree and pruned it. One of the dead limbs was so large it netted two cords of wood. The tree was in astonishingly good health in spite of its age. Dead wood was cleared, and branches were cabled to protect the tree from wind damage and heavy snowfall.

The black oak was most likely a corner tree– a boundary marker establishing the location of property lines. With care and close monitoring, this champion tree may live for another 100 years. Vice president of White Rock Inc. has said it best,” I just think that when we come across a treasure like the champion black oak it is our responsibility to ensure its survival and do everything we can to make sure that the tree is there for our children and our children’s children. It was here long before we came and we want to make sure that it survives long after we are gone.”

Scholarship Programs

Education and experience are paramount to the success of a profession such as Arboriculture and Landscaping. Cumberland Valley Tree service participates in the scholarship programs of both The Pennsylvania College of Technology and Penn State Mont Alto. To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled full-time in a course of study involving forestry and/or landscaping. They must demonstrate academic quality and financial need. CVTS is dedicated to the advancement of education within the Arboriculture and Landscape professions. Intern housing also allows students to participate in on the job training at CVTS. Developing the next generation of Arborists, Horticulturists, and Landscape Professionals is an integral part of Cumberland Valley Tree Service’s business philosophy.