Tree of Heaven Table detail

Tree of Heaven Table

In February 2006 the significant tree which had marked the entrance to Lithia Park for almost a century, the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) had to be removed due to its declining health, lack of structural integrity and the resulting possible public safety issues.

Local wood working artist, William Olsen of William Olsen Design, offered to take the wood, have it cured and milled and then create something for the City of Ashland. 

Originally he estimated the tree might yield close to 600 board feet.  Unfortunately, the center of the tree was rotten and much of the wood was full of nails and riddled with bullets and wire.  A single quarter of an inch bullet can create a twelve inch stain on the wood.  Consequently much of the wood was either rotten or stained and unusable.  In the end there was only about 200 feet of useable wood.

Mr. Olsen allowed the wood to dry for a number of years and then began creating a table to present to the City.  The finished piece measures 5’ x 14.5” x 33” and the top is finished with a piece of local walnut from Jacksonville.

The table was presented to the Tree Commission on May 6 who accepted the gift on behalf of the City of Ashland.  The table is on display in the entry table of the Community Development Building at 51 Winburn Way.