Toronto’s Oldest Elm Tree Faces Its Last Days, but Hope for Regrowth Remains

One of Toronto’s oldest elm tree, located near Barton Street, is nearing the end of its life. Standing 40 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 5.5 meters, this tree has been a beloved landmark in Seaton Village for over 100 years. Unfortunately, it’s showing signs of distress and will soon be removed. However, a team from the University of Toronto is working to preserve its legacy through its seeds.

A Tree in Decline

The elm tree, one of the largest in southern Ontario, has been under observation by Eric Davies, a forestry expert at the University of Toronto. This spring, locals noticed the tree was barren while nearby younger trees were growing leaves. Although the cause of its decline is unclear, the city has decided to remove the tree to prevent potential safety hazards.

“It’s sad,” said Davies. “Each time a tree like this comes down, we want to make sure it leads to something positive, like improving how we maintain our city’s trees and forests.”

Preserving the Tree’s Legacy

While the elm may be removed, all is not lost. Davies and his students have been collecting seeds from the tree for the city’s Tree Seed Diversity Program (TSDP). Local nurseries will use these seeds to grow new trees that carry the same genetic heritage.

“The tree has high-quality genetics,” explained Davies, stressing the tree’s importance not just for the environment, but also for the community. Local nurseries will receive the seeds to grow. Once mature, they will be planted in Toronto’s parks and ravines.

A Symbol of the Community

For many locals, this elm tree has been an iconic part of Seaton Village. Ethan Tantram, a 13-year-old who lives nearby, said, “It’s heartbreaking to see it go. It’s always been a big part of our neighborhood.”

Artist Jode Roberts, a local resident, felt moved by the tree’s age and significance. Last year, he created a “heritage plaque” to explain the tree’s importance and attached it to a nearby pole, preserving its story even after its removal.

Mapping Toronto’s Oldest Trees

Davies and his team are mapping Toronto’s largest and oldest native trees to collect seeds and preserve the city’s green spaces. With invasive species outnumbering native trees, he hopes his efforts will help regenerate the city’s tree canopy.

Each tree is measured, and its seeds are collected for regrowth. The goal is to ensure that Toronto’s forests remain healthy and diverse for future generations.

Looking to the Future

Local nurseries will nurture the elm’s seeds after collection before planting them in suitable parks across Toronto. It may take years for the saplings to match the original tree’s size. However, efforts to regenerate the city’s forests are already underway.

Why This Matters

The loss of such a historic tree serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban growth and nature. The city’s commitment to preserving and regenerating its tree canopy shows there is hope for the future, even as we face the loss of important landmarks.

Do you have a favorite tree or park in Toronto? What are your thoughts on the efforts to preserve the city’s oldest trees? Let us know in the comments below!

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-barton-street-elm-seed-program-1.7559541
• https://www.cp24.com/video/2025/06/13/im-very-upset-residents-voice-dismay-as-torontos-oldest-elm-tree-to-be-cut-down
• https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/1laggg6/one_of_torontos_oldest_elm_trees_is_on_its_last