The city of Philomath will hold a tree-planting ceremony Friday afternoon along Applegate Street in front of Philomath Community Library to replace an American elm that was lost to Dutch elm disease.
The event is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
The city will plant a bur oak, a tree known for its durability and long-term canopy value.
The American elm that once stood in front of the library held a distinction beyond its size and age — it was the first tree nominated under Philomath’s Heritage Tree program. Testing in late 2025 confirmed the tree was infected with Dutch elm disease, and it was removed earlier this year.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the bur oak is known for its coarsely textured crown, deeply furrowed bark and distinctive large-capped acorns. The species is considered well-suited for parks and institutional grounds due to its large mature size and its natural range extends farther north and west than any other eastern oak species.
The city is inviting residents to attend what it describes as a simple ceremony to honor the past and look ahead to the future of the community’s tree canopy.