Disease-stricken Maine elm tree, dubbed Herbie, cut down after 240 years

Maine’s 240-year-old elm tree, Herbie, comes down

YARMOUTH, Maine — New England’s largest and oldest elm tree has been cut down.

Workers using a bucket truck and crane cut down the tree, known as Herbie, on Tuesday. It had stood in Yarmouth since before the American Revolution.

The ground shook when the tree fell with a thud. Frank Knight, who is 101 years old and was the tree’s caretaker for over half a century, was among those watching.

The tree succumbed to Dutch elm disease after surviving 14 previous bouts with the fungus.

The massive tree is estimated to be 240 years old. Its exact age will be known after officials count the growth rings in the trunk.

Wood from the tree will go to artisans for furniture and other products.