Wandering Tree Estate, a beacon of natural splendor nestled in the heart of North Barrington, Illinois is proud to announce its triumph in the highly esteemed Tree of the Year competition. The crown jewel of this prestigious Estate, the American Chestnut Tree, has been bestowed with this coveted honor, reaffirming Wandering Tree Estate’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of nature.

The American Chestnut Tree, a symbol of resilience and beauty, stands as a testament to the Estate’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement. With its towering presence and majestic foliage, it has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike, embodying the essence of North Barrington’s natural heritage.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition,” remarked Elaine Silets, owner of Wandering Tree Estate. “The American Chestnut Tree holds a special place in our hearts, and we are thrilled to share its magnificence with our community.” The Tree of the Year competition, organized by the Village of North Barrington, seeks to highlight and celebrate exceptional arboreal treasures.

Wandering Tree Estate’s triumph underscores its commitment to preserving the Estate’s natural beauty and fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.

The American Chestnut was devastated by chestnut blight, a fungal disease that came from Japanese chestnut trees that were introduced into North America from Japan. It is estimated that the blight killed between 3 and 4 billion American Chestnut trees in the first half of the 20th century, beginning in 1904. Few mature American Chestnuts exist. There are an estimated 600 – 800 large American Chestnuts that still exist in Michigan. Large American Chestnut trees are currently rare east of the Mississippi River. As the American Chestnut tree at Wandering Tree Estate is located just north of Chicago, its location adds to its rarity. With its unusual bending shape, perhaps one of the rarest trees in the State of Illinois is a gorgeous example of a tree that scientists say is “functionally extinct.” Two of the largest surviving American Chestnut trees are in Jackson County, Tennessee. One, the state champion, has a diameter of 24 inches and a height of 75 feet. The second tree is nearly as large as the first. The American Chestnut tree at Wandering Tree Estate is approximately 85 inches in diameter and approximately 35 feet tall. By measuring the circumference of the tree, the age of the American Chestnut tree at Wandering Tree Estate is almost 90 years old.

For more information about Wandering Tree Estate and its award-winning American Chestnut Tree, please visit the contact page to send us a message or call us at (847) 381-1907.