Tree of the Year

Japanese Weeping Cherry2024 Tree of the Year

A Japanese Weeping Cherry tree situated along West Sycamore Avenue is the 2024 Wake Forest Tree of the Year.

Thought to be nearly 100 years old, the tree is the narrow winner in this year’s voting. Of the 454 votes cast, the “Weeping Cherry” received 120 votes, followed by a Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary magnolia tree with 109 votes and a Wingate Street flowering cherry tree with 106 votes.

As the person who submitted this year’s winner, Anthony Graber will receive a certificate crowning his tree as the 2024 Wake Forest Tree of the Year.

The Town of Wake Forest wishes to thank everyone who submitted a tree for consideration and voted in this year’s contest. The Urban Forestry Division plans to offer the competition again next year.

Tree of the Year Candidates

The trees shown below were selected as finalists for the 2024 Tree of the Year Award. 

Community members were invited to vote on their favorite tree through 5 p.m. Friday, April 19.

Voting is Closed

Weeping Cherry - Sycamore Ave
The previous owners of the Reid Estate at the corner of West Sycamore and South Wingate told us that this was the oldest Cherry Tree in Wake County (we can’t verify this). This tree was probably planted in 1926 when Dr. Reid built the house so it is soon to be 100. She is a very old girl but once a year in early spring she produces the most angelic whitish pink blossoms.
Magnolia - SEBTS
The twisted magnolia stands guard over the prayer garden behind the railroad tracks and hope floats in the air. 
Flowering Cherry - Wingate St
This tree stands out on the corner with a gracious spread and is just plain pretty to look at. It has beautiful delicate white flowers in spring and an elegant pleasing form when bare in the winter. It looks graced and elegant.
Chinese Pistache - WF Cemetery
As people enter the historic Wake Forest Cemetery they are greeted by this magnificent tree which can serve to brighten the mood.
Cercis Canadensis - Remey Ave
My daughter, Brooke, is nominating her favorite tree that she has named Birch. She is nominating Birch for the following reasons. "Birch is special because he will always be the perfect size for me. He is also beautiful in the spring and summer, and Birch has the perfect branches in winter for Christmas decorations!"
Tree of the Year
Luke Devores
Urban Forestry Program Manager
919-435-9565