UC Davis has started the removal of a beloved and iconic tree from its campus on Thursday, following the discovery of a deep fracture in its trunk. A campus icon: The Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) tree, which has stood by Lake Spafford since the 1960s, served as a cherished spot for picnics, graduation photos and community gatherings over the years. Attempts at rescue: Campus arborists promptly fenced off the area and attempted to alleviate the issue by removing part of the canopy.