Will iconic Raleigh tree in Nash Square be uprooted?

But many residents say they aren’t ready to let go.

The old oak tree is the defining characteristic of Nash Square. And for some, a visit with the tree is a defining moment of their day:

“I come visit her pretty regularly," said one woman on Friday who was passing by. "I work downtown. I take a walk on my morning break or lunch break most days. I don’t always walk this way but when I do, I say hi to the tree.”

The tree is planted in many visitors' routines, which is made it difficult to watch the old oak tree decline. City officials say the tree is suffering from old age and rot.

Employees of Capitol Smoke, which is right across the street from the tree, are disheartened.

“We’ve just been watching it go, limb by limb," said a worker.

The majestic old tree took a blow during a tornado in 2011.

Raleigh city officials says there’s nothing left they can do, and the 150-year-old old oak tree must come down.

It’s tough news for lifelong residents, but even a visiting artist tells us the tree caught her eye.

“Oh no!" said . "We have to do something to save it."

"I hate to see it go, but I don’t know what we can do about that other than photograph it for prosperity,” the artist said.

The tree's roots will be a memory of the the ones that many Raleigh transplants put down whenh they moved to the Triangle.

City officials say there is no firm date yet for when the tree will be removed.

Some believe the historic oak inspired the tree that adorns the Shimmer Wall.

WRAL News reached out the design team, but were unable to confirm which tree actually inspired the wall design.