For the past four years, Austin has been recognizing beautiful trees throughout the city with its Austin Tree of the Year Award. This year, the St. Edward’s University marketing department and a campus arborist have teamed up to enter three trees on campus in the contest.

The Austin Tree of the Year Award nominates one large and one small tree every year. They use the winners of the contest to enlighten others about the urban forests that surround Austin.

Marcie Lasseigne, a member of the marketing department, was responsible for entering the Sorin Oak tree in the contest.

“I found out about the Austin Tree of the Year Award four years ago when I was reading the Austin American-Statesman. I saw the winning trees featured in the newspaper and thought the Sorin Oak would be a nice candidate,” Lasseigne said.

Lasseigne also believes that the history of the tree is what makes it original when compared with all the other entries.

tree.”

Dunlap has been taking care of trees for many years, and a contest like this holds special meaning for him.

“My whole working career has been devoted to tree care,” Dunlap said. “Having the opportunity to care for the most valuable part of our landscape is rewarding on so many