The International Society of Arboriculture and the National Arborist Association jointly recognize the Bicentennial Bur Oak in the bicentennial year of 1987 as having lived here at the time of the signing of our constitution in 1787.

Located in the Southeast section of Bob Woodruff Park, Plano’s Quinnentennial Bur Oak tree is the largest, oldest tree in the City of Plano. This report explores the history of the land where the tree stands to determine how the tree was allowed to grow and mature to its estimated age of 239 years.

The section of Bob Woodruff Park, referred to as bottomland, is historically subject to flooding; therefore no private structures were ever built on the property. The soil is very rich containing sediment brought in from other areas by heavy rains and flooding.

Bur oak trees are generally found along stream bottoms and adjacent slopes in North and East Central Texas. The wood is heavy, hard, impermeable and durable, and the trees are very hardy, tolerating drought and city pollution. The thick corky bark enables the bur oak tree to withstand fire and other damage better than most oaks.

The bur oak tree provides a deep shade, has few insect or disease problems and in winter the corky twigs and stout branches give it a picturesque appearance. The large acorns are sought after by wildlife.(1) The Texas State Champion Bur Oak, located in Cooke County, is 75 feet tall, 268 inches in circumference and has a crown spread of 111 feet.(2)

Plano’s Quincentennial Bur Oak tree is approximately 90 feet tall, 186 inches in circumference and has a crown spread of 80 feet. The tree was designated the Bicentennial tree in 1987 and was recognized as having lived here at the signing of the U.S. Constitution. In February 2002, the tree was registered with the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition.

Four years after the tree's registration, a storm damaged the tree leaving tree rings exposed. This allowed a definitive age determination to be made. This tree was determined to more than 500 years old; thus the name was changed from Bicentennial to Quincentennial. Additional information can be found in the Texas Tree Trails News story, Older Than Thought.