The mightiest tree in a near east side neighborhood rich in mature trees is a Chinkapin Oak (Querus muehlenbergii) on Brookside and Temple. The canopy spreads over Brookside like a leafy umbrella. Experts have guessed the tree is 300 or 400 years old, and it has a few “little sister” trees nearby. The tree is so distinctive that people call it the Temple Oak, and it won a contest for Most Huggable Tree. Its silhouette is the symbol for the Springdale Neighborhood Association.
But last year, people passing by noticed that the Temple Oak didn’t look so healthy. The owners of the property, Bob and Sheila Adsit consider themselves stewards of the tree. They noticed that the leaves were yellowing and falling off. Concerned arborists also took note and offered to help find out what the problem was.
The Adsits bought the small home on Temple and Brookside not for the home, but because of the tree. “The house came with it,” said Bob. They had lived in a 13-room Woodruff Place home for many years, running a ministry that helped people in crisis get back on their feet, but they were ready to downsize. For the last twelve years, they realized they were its guardian, advocate and steward all at the same time.
“It’s a perfect canopy, so well balanced,” noted Sheila. The couple has planted peace poles nearby, with “Peace be With You” written in several languages. “People come up and hug it. People slow down and smile and wave at us when we’re on the porch because of the tree.”
The Adsits fought the city when it wanted to straighten out the sidewalks on Brookside, and DPW wanted to cut it down. “We were NOT going to let that happen!” said Sheila. Instead, they reached a compromise, leaving a cutout for the tree. It has been hit by drivers over the years, scarring the bark.
However, last August the tree suffered an infestation of oak lace bugs, which sucked the chlorophyll from the leaves, leaving them yellow and dry. Jerome Delbridge of Tree-Centric said that the infestation wasn’t an immediate threat to the overall tree, but in time, it would compromise the tree itself.
“The Chinkapin Oak is a pretty hardy tree, native to this area. It’s found on slopes, in rocky or sandy soils, so where the Temple Oak stands, it is ideal,” Delbridge said. “The Chinkapin Oak has the smallest acorns of any of the oaks, and legend says that they are also the sweetest, so they are of high value for wildlife.”
Along with arborist Josh Loewen of Mid Com Tree, and Nate Faris of Faris Tree Consultants, Delbridge said that they evaluated the Temple Oak and suggested a course of action which includes treating the insect infestation and carefully cutting out deadwood. They are waiting until late May when the tree is completely leafed out to give the tree another once-over to see if there is still insects present, and how bad they will be. They are donating their services, or providing them at cost because they believe the tree is unique and an important part of the landscape of the east side. The cost for treatment and ongoing care is about $8,500. The Adsits cannot afford the treatment alone.
“This tree really is an icon of the Near Eastside and we need to do everything we can do save it. Not just for the people who live here now but for future generations,” said Ron Jones, Springdale Neighborhood resident.
“The beauty of this tree is that it is not just a tree. It represents a community. The Near Eastside has a long history of rallying around causes that are near and dear to its heart. This not only saves a tree but it also builds community,” said Megan Fetter, Director of Neighborhood Engagement for the John H. Boner Community Center.
In April, there was a fundraiser for the Temple Oak at Tick-Tock Lounge which raised about $500 for treatment. On May 29, there will be another fundraiser at the Steer-In (5130 E. 10th). Diners on that day can donate 15 percent of their total bill by telling the cashier they are donating to the Temple Oak fundraiser. It will be an all-day fundraiser.
Ideally, a trust fund will be set up to pay for continued maintenance on the tree. Donors are encouraged to send a check to the John H. Boner Center, 2236 E. 10th St., Indianapolis IN 46201. Make checks payable to the Temple Oak Fund.
