Waterloo, New York: Scythe Stump

The Futility of War, visible in tool-eating vegetation. Known as the Scythe Tree until its top part collapsed on July 19, 2023. The stump with the three embedded scythes remains standing.

The top of the Scythe Tree, 165 years old, collapsed under clear skies on the early evening of July 19, 2023. It had been under the care of an arborist for many years. However, the stump that remains standing has the three scythes still embedded in it, and town officials have said that they want to preserve what remains of the tree to keep its history alive.

Historic Scythe Tree in Waterloo falls under clear skies: Ice storm 20 years ago likely led to this moment July 22, 2023 The iconic Scythe Tree, a symbol of young men going off to war, unexpectedly fell Wednesday evening in Waterloo on Routes 5&20. The tree had experienced significant damage during the ice storm of April 2003 which prompted the need for restoration efforts. Despite those, the tree succumbed to its years, falling under pretty ordinary circumstances a little before 8 p.m. two days ago.

The scythe tips sticking out from the tree are surrounded ny green paint and painted yellow. The lowest is about 8 or so feet up. We had trouble finding the place mostly because we were looking on the wrong side of the road. It's on the north side.

There were some parking spots next to the tree, but it felt a little like trespassing. No one came out of the house. I looked around for a donation box. I certainly would have left a buck or two. My kids thought it was cool, and it was definitely worth the detour from route 90.

Scythe Tree -- sickle's still there.