Historic Nunnally Oak to Be Removed After Over 200 Years

TL;DR: Chesterfield County will remove the Nunnally Oak, a historic tree planted in 1814 beside the courthouse and grown to 18 feet in circumference, after officials determined that fungal decay and structural damage make it unsafe to keep standing.

The story

The Nunnally Oak, one of Chesterfield County's most recognizable landmarks, will be removed beginning in November after more than two centuries on the courthouse grounds. The white oak was planted in 1814 by Lawson Nunnally, then an assistant deputy clerk of the county court, during the War of 1812. Over the following 212 years, it grew to a circumference of 18 feet 3 inches as measured in June 2023, with the tree's girth recorded annually since 1916 when it measured 11 feet 11 inches.

County officials determined that extensive fungal decay, parasitic damage, and rot in the trunk have compromised the tree's structural integrity and posed a safety risk to people and nearby buildings. John Neal, the county's Director of General Services, said the tree is not healthy. "There is a lot of fungus, and some decay, and some rot in the trunk, and that jeopardizes the structure of the tree," he explained. Testing began in 2019, and by May 2026, the damage was severe enough that removal became necessary despite installation of a support system to help prolong the oak's life.

Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Miller acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. "Unfortunately, we're coming to the point now where we need to bring things back into balance," he said. Rather than simply removing the tree, Chesterfield County plans an extensive preservation effort to honor its legacy. Three to four saplings grown from the original oak will be planted in the county arboretum. The historical society will receive a cross-section of the trunk with ring dates marked to preserve its record. The remaining wood will be crafted into commemorative items, benches, desks, and decorative "wood cookies" embossed with the tree's image. Neal stressed the county's commitment to the landmark: "It's a Chesterfield icon...we want to treat this with the respect that it deserves."

Key players

• John Neal: Chesterfield County Director of General Services
• Mark Miller: Board of Supervisors Chair
• Lawson Nunnally: Original planter of the oak in 1814
• Chesterfield Historical Society: Recipient of preserved cross-section from the tree

Key dates

• 2026-11-01: Nunnally Oak removal begins

Why it matters: The Nunnally Oak has anchored Chesterfield County's identity for over 200 years, serving as a physical link to the county's history since the War of 1812. Its removal marks the end of a familiar landmark, though the county's preservation plans will allow residents to connect with the tree's legacy through saplings, historical artifacts, and functional pieces crafted from its wood.

Places

• Chesterfield Historic Courthouse
• Chesterfield County Arboretum

Related links

• Chesterfield County Arboretum
• Chesterfield County Environmental Stewardship

Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →

Sources

• Chesterfield landmark is coming down after more than 2 centuries
• At 212 years old, it's Chesterfield's most famous tree. But it's time to say goodbye
• Remarkable Trees of Virginia and DC