WESTMINSTER, Colo. \u2014 Sometimes the most remarkable stories grow in the most unlikely places.<\/p>\n
Tucked away in a Westminster open space stands one of Colorado’s most impressive living landmarks: a 140-year-old apple tree recently recognized as the third-largest apple tree in the state.<\/p>\n
For Westminster resident Tessa Imel, the tree has become a regular stop during walks with her dog, Cooper.<\/p>\n
“He\u2019s making it through his senior years,” Imel said of her aging walking companion.<\/p>\n
The same could be said for the towering apple tree.<\/p>\n
WATCH: Colorado\u2019s third-largest apple tree still standing strong at 140 years old<\/p>\n
MIKE STORY 1009<\/p>\n
City of Westminster storyteller Christopher Edmunds became intrigued by local claims about the tree’s significance.<\/p>\n
“Rumors were different. We had the tallest tree, the biggest tree, the oldest apple tree,” Edmunds said.<\/p>\n
Rather than rely on local lore, he set out to learn the truth.<\/p>\n
“I wanted to get to the bottom of it and see what is it we actually have and why it’s a big deal.”<\/p>\n
What he found was a remarkable piece of local history.<\/p>\n
The tree was planted by the Semper family more than a century ago as part of a Sops of Wine apple orchard. While the orchard is long gone, this tree remains, surviving decades of change around it.<\/p>\n
City forester Brian McCoy said the tree continues to adapt even as it shows signs of age.<\/p>\n
“It’s had a great life. It’s retrenching,” McCoy said.<\/p>\n
Visitors can even step on a path inside surrounding shrubs to get near the trunk to appreciate its massive size from the inside.<\/p>\n
Despite its age, experts believe the tree still has years ahead of it.<\/p>\n
“It could be another 40, 50 years,” McCoy said.<\/p>\n
For Imel, the tree’s significance goes beyond records and measurements.<\/p>\n
“The appreciation of life, even in the end, even when it’s straggly and branches are dying and it looks unusable,” she said.<\/p>\n
Imel’s perspective became even more personal after losing her father last November.<\/p>\n
“The appreciation of that, and seeing things end, makes me tear up.”<\/p>\n
Edmunds believes the tree’s story resonates because it reflects something all people experience.<\/p>\n
“There’s a much bigger story than just reporting on a champion tree. Relating back to the circle of life.”<\/p>\n
Like a family tree, its roots connect generations. Its branches tell stories of growth, endurance and change.<\/p>\n
More than 140 years after it was planted, the apple tree continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and a reminder that every stage of life has value.<\/p>\n
As Imel puts it, “All stories matter.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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