After 20 years of being a statement piece of the Cottages, the cottage tree was removed due to disease on Saturday, Oct. 25. The @cbucottages Instagram page shared an announcement that said,
“Dear Cottages, It is with immense sorrow and difficulty that we inform you that the famous Cottages Tree has been found to have a disease and will thus have to be removed, effective very soon. We want to take this time to acknowledge the massive impact this tree has made on all residents, RAs, RDs, prospective student tours, and commuters alike. If you would like to join us in remembering this staple of Cottages’ history, join us on Friday, October 24th, at 2:30 pm for a brief celebration of life. Any and all who have been here for this tree’s life and shade provision are welcome to attend.”
Trees can naturally develop disease caused by drought, flooding, soil compaction or nutrient deficiency. Although the reasons vary, the loss still affects the environment and the community.
Many Cottage residents are freshmen and may not have known the tree’s long history, but its absence is still felt. Trees like this provide shade, inspiration and beauty, and when they are gone, the space feels changed.
Freshman finance major Ethan Coulter shared, “I know there was disease that came over the tree and unfortunately, they had to put it down. Although I have not known the tree very long, I am sad to see it go.”
For many, it was not just a tree, but a part of daily life that held memories and comfort.
Freshman computer science major Emma Catiller said, “The tree was a staple of The Cottages, and everyone misses it dearly.”
While the tree may be gone, its legacy and the memories it gave remain. Whether you lived in The Cottages or sat under its shade as a commuter, the tree represented the heart of the Cottage community.
In the end, remember to look around once in a while. This campus holds many places and memories, some of which may become your own.
