Frank Knight (arborist)

Frank Knight
Knight in January 2010, at the felling of "Herbie"
Born
Frank Addison Knight

October 17, 1908
Pownal, Maine, U.S.
DiedMay 14, 2012(2012-05-14) (aged 103)
Scarborough, Maine, U.S.
Resting placeRiverside Cemetery, Yarmouth, Maine, U.S.
OccupationArborist
Known for"Herbie"

Frank Addison Knight (October 17, 1908 – May 14, 2012) was an arborist from Yarmouth, Maine, United States. One of his most prominent roles was as the tree warden for "Herbie", an American elm that stood in Yarmouth for over 200 years. It was a role he held for around the last fifty years of the tree's life.[1] "Herbie" was the oldest[2] and largest[3] American elm in New England.[4] The tree was cut down in 2010 after succumbing to Dutch elm disease.[1] Knight's efforts to extend the tree's life brought him international attention.[5] He estimated he saved the tree's life on fourteen occasions over five decades.[6] "It's his time now, and soon it will be mine," a 101-year-old Knight said, attending the tree's removal on January 19, 2010.

A plaque honoring Knight was installed in front of North Yarmouth Academy in 1992
  1. ^ a b "Maine: Herbie the Tree" – The New York Times, January 19, 2010
  2. ^ Images of America: Yarmouth, Hall, Alan M., Arcadia (2002)
  3. ^ "Yarmouth braces for Herbie's demise" - Portland Press Herald, August 10, 2009
  4. ^ The National Register of Big Trees: 2000-01
  5. ^ "Old Man and a Tree – CBS, YouTube, February 23, 2010
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference pph2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).