Betsey Williams Sycamore Conservation
Providence, RI | 2022
Ron Henderson, Master Gardener Kurato Fujimoto, Hans Friedl
Collaboration Doug Still, Providence Parks Department
Trees (1) Platanus occidentalis, American sycamore, approximately 240 years old
Credits James Jones Studio, Ron Henderson
Providence Preservation Society - Juror’s Award to a Project of Special Significance In (the jury’s) conversation about this project, they unanimously felt this to be a unique and deeply moving heritage project that combined elements of research, craft, preservation, community engagement, global exchange, and even social practice art that is as significant for its process as for its outcome. The project was felt to be a strong statement to the preservation community that trees are as important as buildings, and that living landmarks must be given the same attention and care as our inert landmarks. Marisa Angell Brown, Executive Director, Providence Preservation Society
The City of Providence City Forester and Department of Parks invited Master Gardener Kurato Fujimoto and LIRIO to lead workshops and demonstrations on indigenous Japanese arboriculture practices for tree conservation and health, including: branch supports (hoozue), pruning, and tree shaping. The workshops and demonstrations were held at the Japanese Garden and the Betsey Williams Sycamore in Roger Williams Park as part of global research on indigenous horticultural practices as well as to compare these techniques with prevailing models of arboriculture in North America.
The Betsey Williams Sycamore is one of the most iconic and revered trees of Rhode Island. The former city forester for Providence, Doug Still, calls it “the most famous tree in Rhode Island.” As one enters Roger Williams Park from Elmwood Avenue, the tree forms a triumvirate of objects that include a statue of Roger Williams, the historic Betsey Williams Cottage that dates from 1773, and the Betsey Williams Sycamore that is speculated to be 240 years old.
Over the course of two days two hoozue were installed on the long, low, lateral branch that is most vulnerable to damage because of the number of visitors who sit or swing on it. Methods and techniques were taught to Providence Parks department staff while collaborating on fabrication and installation of the hoozue.
