Old oak tree collapses onto elderly care home despite recent assessment deeming it long-lived

A protected oak tree in Kabeliai village collapsed onto an elderly couple’s home, severely damaging the structure, despite a recent expert assessment stating it was long-lived and posed no immediate threat.

The incident occurred just over a month after local authorities verbally assured residents that the tree was safe, following repeated concerns raised by the couple’s granddaughter, Dovilė. Residents had first reported the tree’s dangerous lean three years ago, but no action was taken.

In April, Dovilė formally requested an evaluation of the oak’s condition. The Varėna District Municipality promised an inspection by arborists, with findings expected by June 1. However, the report was never shared with the family. Instead, officials verbally confirmed the tree was stable. On July 23, the oak fell, crushing the roof and structural elements of the home.

Fortunately, the elderly couple—Jadvygos, 86, and her husband Jonas—were unharmed. Jadvygos had stepped away moments before the collapse, while Jonas was hospitalised at the time. Their granddaughter, Dovilė, told LRT.lt that the house is now uninhabitable, with belongings salvaged and the roof temporarily covered. “We’re relieved no one was hurt, but the house is destroyed. My grandmother is devastated,” she said.

The oak was a protected natural heritage object under the Varėna District Municipality. Sigitas Algis Davenis, head of the Lithuanian Arborists’ Centre, noted that proper assessment of such trees requires time, expertise, and evaluation of multiple factors, including trunk condition, root damage, and environmental stress. He cautioned that human activity, such as improper pruning, can accelerate a tree’s decline. “A tree may live 150–200 years, but urban environments and human interference often weaken it prematurely,” he explained.

The municipality stated it had planned to address the tree’s maintenance but could only begin work after August 1.