This petition is the work of concerned neighbors in North Arlington, VA who fear that the magnificent and irreplaceable oak tree on the corner of 27th St. N and Nottingham St. will be cut down when builder DS Homes tears down the existing house to redevelop the lot.

The tree is more than 200 years old, and is believed to be the largest Willdenow's Oak (a natural hybrid between a black oak and southern red oak) in Virginia—and one of the largest in the world. Local naturalists have examined it and found it to be in excellent health. It is on Arlington's list of "champion" trees and its acorns have been sent to the Smithsonian.

It is very close to street, outside the current fence line and potentially partially in the county right of way. Its position leaves plenty of room for a large house to be built on the lot without removing the tree.

In its long life, the tree has survived the widespread felling of Arlington’s trees during the Civil War and the neighborhood’s transformation from farms to a suburb dotted with neat rows of brick colonials, Cape Cods and ramblers.

Now, this petition asks DS Homes and Arlington County to ensure that the tree continues to survive when the property is redeveloped.