By Jennifer Murray
On June 20, Jennifer Murray and Marc Dobiecki, owners of the historic Zuber-Jarrell House in East Atlanta, said goodbye to one of the oldest and largest trees on their property. At 117 years old, this tree had a circumference of 92 inches. It was one of six Linden trees imported from Wales by John Zuber as a wedding present to his wife, Gertie Zuber. Upon moving into their new home in 1907, they planted the Lindens along the gravel driveway.
For the past 100 plus years, the broad canopy from these Linden trees has provided a cool shade that welcomed all who ventured down the driveway on a hot summer day. The trees produce two sets of leaves, one of which gently twirls to the ground creating a magical environment throughout the spring season. During the Jarrell Family’s 64 years owning the property, they raised bees that benefited from the abundant source of nectar produced by the Linden flowers which are also commonly used to make herbal teas.
Many Arborists and tree enthusiasts have proclaimed that these Linden trees, especially of this size, are very rare in Atlanta. Unfortunately, this treasured Linden tree contracted a fungus that caused it to be at high risk of falling on the Zuber-Jarrell House, which received a Georgia Trust Preservation Award in 2023. Prior to removal, the tree was photographed by renown tree advocate and photographer, Kathryn Kolb, and will be milled by Medlock Millworks for future use so that it will be remembered for years to come. Fortunately, the three remaining Linden trees have been deemed to be in very good health.
