A 174-year-old tree at the historic Temple Heights home on Ninth Street North fell Wednesday, causing minor damage and narrowly missing the house.
The south-side tree, which was distinguished by a Muscadine vine, flattened Wisteria vines and a Crape Myrtle growing at the front of the house and knocked out a few of the picket-style porch fence posts.
The tree may also have knocked one of the giant columns, said Dixie Butler, owner of the 174-year-old home.
When the massive tree tore loose from its roots Wednesday evening, Butler was sitting about 25 feet away inside the house at her computer.
“The sound got louder and louder, and I knew something terrible was happening, but I didn”t know really for sure what it was,” she said.
At least the home was not damaged, Butler continued, “putting things in perspective.” Even so, the local landmark has lost a beloved fixture.
“The yard will never be the same as it was,” she lamented.
Once she has someone clear the tree, Butler said she would have a better idea about how much work there was to do before the city”s annual historic homes tour, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, from March 28 to April 9.
“We”ll be working on getting it presentable by Pilgrimage time,” she said.
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