Yarmouth, Jan 11 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A tree that is more than 2 centuries old is due to be chopped down. And the most surprising thing is that the 240 years old elm tree was given care by a person who himself is more than a century old. Frank Knight, who is himself 101 years old, has cared for the 240 years old elm tree for more than half a century.

In the 1950’s the tree had contracted the Dutch elm disease, but the Tree Warden Frank Knight didn’t let that disease conquer the tree. He cared valiantly for the tree, sprayed medicine to kill the pests, he also pruned away the fungus on the tree. His love, care and persistence paid off and soon this elm tree was restored to vitality and its branches reached 110 feet into the sky.

But lately it has contracted the Dutch elm disease again and this time around the bout is so bad that the tree has be to chopped off. Says Knight, “He’s an old friend. I love that tree. There’s no question. And I feel so proud that we kept him for so long.” “His time has come,” Knight said. “And mine is about due, too. Nothing is forever,” the caretaker gently jokes.