The Blake House Sycamore.

[James Parton]

ENTS,

Yesterday I took a short drive to measure a large American Sycamore located at the Blake House Inn which is located on Royal Pines dr off of Sweeten Creek rd, Arden NC.

http://blakehouse.com/

Upon pulling up to the tree I looked at Joy, and told her, I guess the tree to about 15 feet cbh. On measuring it I found I was very close. It measured 14 feet 11 inches in girth. Using the laser by standing at various points under the tree shooting straight up, the highest point I could find was 92 feet up.

Joy was with me so I could accurately and easily measure the spread. I came up with 84.75 ft avg average spread. The tree is not quite as wide as it is tall.

All Together. 14' 11" cbh, 92' tall, 84.75 ft avg spr.

The inn dates to 1847 and that may give some idea of the age of the tree.

Here are the pictures.

[Will Blozan]

James,

I have seen the tree many times and have yet to be really impressed with it. It is rather small for the age- if indeed it is that old. The one(s) down the road at TGI Fridays is way more impressive to me! It is the tallest open-grown hardwood I know of in the east at 144'. It basically ties the huge pecan in Newport, TN for height.

Will

[James Parton]

Will,

I wondered if you had found this tree yet. The fact you have does not surprise me.

I remember the TGI Friday's sycamores. I too remember measuring the largest one to over 140 feet. I thought I had been measuring a bit high until you verified it. I have been meaning to get around to visiting that huge Waynesville sycamore you have told me about. It seems to be the only one around here that may hold up to ( at least a little ) to those giants in the northern US. What other large sycamores around Asheville do you know of?

[RyanLeClair]

Hello Will,

Do you think you could post a picture of that 144' sycamore?

[Marcboston]

Will can you post a picture of the monster sycamore when you get a moment?

[James Parton]

I thought I had a picture of it but I cannot find it. Hopefully Will does.

[bbeduhn]

James,
There's a fat sycamore behind the independent movie store on Charlotte Street and one by Jus' Running on Merriman. Neither are huge but definitely good sized. The one by the video store might hit 13' or 14' in girth. I doubt either is beyond 100' in height. You've already measued the other one on Merriman in the shopping center.
Brian

[James Parton]

Brian,

Thanks for the tips! You certainly got an eye for big trees. Maybe you can get into measuring too!?

[bbeduhn]

James,
That's the plan. I'm considering getting a rangefinder. Where do you get a tape measure that clings to the tree?
Brian

[Will Blozan]

Guys,

Don't forget the three 60 inchers at the Asheville Country Club. All are open grown and one is over 135' tall.

I have to do some digital digging to find my shots of the other big/tall ones in the area.

Will