One of two crab apple trees that have for decades been the Quad’s best place to perch, was felled by high winds during winter break. “This was a unique tree, a companion to so many people for so many years,” said Melissa Acker, UNC Asheville grounds superintendent and landscape director, who will have the sad task of supervising removal of the tree.

The trees have been campus icons for as long as most on campus can remember. “We’re guessing it was planted when Lipinsky Hall was completed,” said Acker. That would date the tree to 1964. The other crab apple, closer to the entrance of Lipinsky Hall, remains. Both trees have shown the effects of age and have needed cables to support the weight of limbs.