Central Piedmont to honor legacy of historic “Granddaddy Oak” while prioritizing campus safety

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – With deep appreciation for its history and significance to the community, Central Piedmont Community College has announced plans to remove the historic “Granddaddy Oak” on Central Campus during the week of Aug. 3 following extensive evaluations confirming the tree's deteriorating condition and increasing safety risks.

For more than a century, this willow oak tree has stood as a landmark in Charlotte, witnessing the city's growth and the development of Central Piedmont into one of North Carolina's largest community colleges. 

• Estimated to be approximately 100 years old, the willow oak has long been recognized as one of the oldest and largest trees in uptown Charlotte. 
• According to TreesCharlotte's Treasure Trees program, it is one of the largest known willow oaks in Mecklenburg County.
• When the tree was named to the Treasure Trees program in 2022, it measured about 237 inches in circumference and over 90 feet tall. 
• Updated measurements in 2025 recorded a circumference of 256.8 inches and a crown spread approaching 95 feet.

The decision follows several recent incidents in which large limbs fell after storms and periods of high wind. After years of monitoring the tree's health and consulting with certified arborists, the college determined that the tree's structural condition has deteriorated to a point where it presents a significant safety concern.

"This decision does not come lightly," said Rick Fogarty, interim chief operations officer. "The ‘Granddaddy Oak’ has been a cherished part of our campus and Charlotte's landscape for generations. We are deeply saddened that this remarkable tree has reached the end of its lifespan."

Over the years, Central Piedmont's facilities team invested significant effort to preserve the tree, including annual health assessments, structural pruning, specialized treatments and lightning-protection systems. Despite these proactive measures, experts concluded that continued decline has made removal necessary.

The timing of the project is intended to ensure the campus remains safe as students, faculty and staff return for the fall semester.

While the tree’s physical presence will soon be gone, its legacy will continue. Central Piedmont plans to plant a substantial replacement tree in the same location and is exploring opportunities to commemorate the historic oak through partnerships with local artists.