Local

Five articles about the history and fate of 400-year-old oak tree in Tumwater

Stories by The Olympian journalists, with AI summarization

This list of curated articles highlights the history and controversy regarding Tumwater’s 400-year-old oak tree.

Mayor Debbie Sullivan used executive action to try to initiate the tree's removal due to internal decay and risk of harm. A report found the oak healthier than previously assessed, suggesting preservation could be an option.

A judge recently ruled that the city cannot cut the tree down without approval from the Historic Preservation Commission.

No image found

NO. 1: GOODBYE, OLD FRIEND: BELOVED OAK TREE IN TUMWATER SET TO BE CUT DOWN, CITY SAYS

The tree is estimated to be at least 400 years old. | Published May 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ty Vinson

No image found

NO. 2: TUMWATER MAYOR PAUSES PLAN TO CUT DOWN HISTORIC DAVIS-MEEKER OAK TREE. HERE’S WHY

Dozens of people and city council members expressed concern Tuesday night about cutting down the tree. | Published June 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ty Vinson

A regional arborist who has worked on the historic Meeker-Davis tree Ray Gleason stands below the massive giant along Old Highway 99 on May 15, 2024 as the Tumwater City Council considers removal of the centuries-old oak. By Steve Bloom

NO. 3: DOES EXPANSION OF AIRPORT OR OLD HIGHWAY 99 PLAY INTO PLANS TO CUT HISTORIC TREE?

Officials with the city of Tumwater and the Port of Olympia respond to claims of ulterior motives. | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ty Vinson

Tumwater residents Katrina Murphy and Michelle Peterson (with sign) joined around 70 supporters at a Saturday gathering along Old Highway 99 in support of the historic Davis-Meeker oak tree which mayor Debbie Sullivan had issued an earlier directive to remove it, citing safety concerns. A day before on Friday, May 24 Thurston County Superior Court Judge Sharonda Amamilo issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the city of Tumwater from chopping down a 400-year-old Garry oak that is listed on the Tumwater Register of Historic Places, a group opposed to the tree’s removal says. By Steve Bloom

NO. 4: HISTORIC TUMWATER TREE COULD STAY, REPORT SAYS. OFFICIALS TO MAKE FINAL DECISION IN MARCH

New analysis revealed the tree’s condition is better than previously thought.  | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ty Vinson

Tumwater residents Katrina Murphy and Michelle Peterson (with sign) joined around 70 supporters at a Saturday gathering along Old Highway 99 in support of the historic Davis-Meeker oak tree which mayor Debbie Sullivan had issued an earlier directive to remove it, citing safety concerns. A day before on Friday, May 24 Thurston County Superior Court Judge Sharonda Amamilo issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the city of Tumwater from chopping down a 400-year-old Garry oak that is listed on the Tumwater Register of Historic Places, a group opposed to the tree’s removal says. By Steve Bloom

NO. 5: CAN CITY CUT DOWN BELOVED 400-YEAR-OLD TREE? THURSTON COUNTY JUDGE RULES

A Thurston County Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Tumwater can’t cut down the historic Davis Meeker Oak tree without prior approval from its Historic Preservation Commission. | Published December 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ty Vinson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.