Iconic 'Shawshank Redemption' Oak Tree Has Fallen: How to Replant a Tree

Old tree down! The 200-year-old oak tree that appeared in the popular movie "Shawshank Redemption" has fallen on Friday.

Gian Tree Toppled Down

According to the Associated Press, Jodie Snavely of the Mansfield and Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Ohio informed that the iconic oak tree was knocked down by strong winds.

The report added that after people learned about the sad news, Snavely's office got a lot of calls from people who wanted to preserve the remains of the tree.

This is not the first time the tree has received damage from a natural disaster. The Guardian reported that in 2011, the tree was split by lightning.

'Shawshank Redemption' Landmark

"Shawshank Redemption" starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman was released in 1994. It was based on the novel of author Stephen King.

At the end of the movie, Andy Dufresne (Robbins) is seen seated under the oak tree while reading a letter from former prison-mate Red (Freeman).

The tree, located in a private property Mansfield, north-central Ohio, has become a landmark for fans of the movie.

New York Times reported that each year, thousands of fans flock to a road near the area where the tree stands, since the owners do not let visitors on their property.

Irreparable Damage? How to Plant a New Tree

The white oak tree was already too damaged to be replanted. In addition, relocating and transplanting such a huge tree is not as easy as doing so with other smaller trees.

According to San Francisco Chronicles, if a large tree is already uprooted like the white oak tree, there is little that you can do to save it. Trees use their roots to anchor themselves in the soil. With damaged roots, the tree won't have a strong base and anchoring the big tree would be impossible.

But for small trees that do not have big roots, you can still do something.

Here's how:

1. Bring rhe tree back to its original position. Do it carefully to avoid damaging the roots further.
2. Exposed roots may develop air pockets that cause dryness. To avoid having this while transporting the tree, carefully wrap the exposed roots with soil and put plenty of water.
3. To support the tree, install two or more stakes outside of the root zone.
4. Once replanted, remove broken branches, but don't overdo it.
5. Give the tree sufficient water for the succeeding days, but do not put fertilizer during the healing process.
6. It may take a year before the tree finally establishes its roots. By that time, you may already put fertilizer or trim the tree to help it get back its shape.