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250-year old tree moved to new spot at university

The 250-year-old bur oak tree in its new location. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
The 250-year-old bur oak tree in its new location. (Associated Press)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A tree that predates the University of Michigan and the city of Ann Arbor – and the American Revolution, for that matter – was settling into its new home on Monday.

Workers moved the tree 500 feet down a pedestrian walkway Oct. 25-26, but the transfer was postponed for a week after an inflatable air bladder helping to hold up the tree burst.

Crews returned to work in Ann Arbor on Monday, spending hours positioning the 250-year-old tree into its new digs near the front entrance to the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

The tree is being relocated to make way for a $135 million donor-funded expansion of the Ross School. The cost of moving the tree, which could reach $400,000, is being covered by the donor.

The bur oak dates to at least 1764.