It is interesting to examine possible reasons for this. Until 1978 a majestic white pine tree, more than 175 feet tall and with many large stems branching from the base trunk, was visible from the site of Chittenden's house. This great pine was toppled by high winds May 9 that year. Its numerous main stems and its visibility, from the Chittenden house site create a real possibility that the tree itself, or the horn carving of the tree, were indeed the inspiration for Ira Allen's design. Use of the seal is governed by 1 V.S.A. 494 and 13 V.S.A. 1904.
Principal source is an article.
See also William Gove. Vermont Department of Forests. Parks and Recreation. Some years ago the Town of Arlington had purchased as an historic site the great tree and surrounding plot of land along Vermont Rt. 313 a short distance west of Arlington village.