Amherst College moving 100-year-old tree

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - A 100-year-old tree is in the way of renovations at Amherst College.

The Camperdown Elm, also known as the Weeping Elm originated in Scotland.

It thrives in colder weather and for the last 100 years it's been a staple in the Amherst College community, but Pratt Field renovations have led to the relocation of the tree.  The tree currently sits where a new running track will be built. 

An Amherst College Spokeswoman told 22News they'll move the tree 90 feet.  For the last six days, experts have been blowing roots off with air guns and a 40-ton crane will help hoist the elm into its new home. One UMass photographer who lives next door has been documenting the experience.

Keith Toffling said, “It's an older tree, it kind of has some integrity. It's been there for a while. It has some charisma to it. It's just a good tree to look at. I'm glad they are saving it because they've taken a lot of other trees down around here.

The move was supposed to happen Friday, but a college spokeswoman says the tree is so dense, the 40-ton crane proved to be too small. Crews will now need a bigger crane.