The tree was scheduled to be felled as part of the construction of the A483 Newtown Bypass in 2015 but was saved as the result of a petition.

[1][2][4] The farmer of the land on which it stands organised a successful 5,000-signature petition to the Welsh Assembly calling for its preservation.

[6] The campaign sought further assurances from the contractors, as they were concerned that the works specified within the area would damage the tree's roots.

The prize was a £1,000 care grant and entry into the European Tree of the Year awards.

[2] In March 2017 it was announced that the tree had finished second in the European awards, determined by popular vote.