One of Toronto's oldest and largest American elm trees, located on Barton Street, is dying and scheduled for removal. Researchers from the University of Toronto, led by forestry ecologist Eric Davies, are racing to collect its seeds to re-grow copies as part of the city's Tree Seed Diversity Program, aiming to preserve its high-quality gene stock and aid in the regeneration of native tree species in the city.
One of Toronto's oldest elm trees is on its last legs. Researchers are racing to re-grow copies
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️One of Toronto's oldest and largest American elm trees, located on Barton Street, is dying and scheduled for removal. Researchers from the University of Toronto, led by forestry ecologist Eric Davies, are racing to collect its seeds to re-grow copies as part of the city's Tree Seed Diversity Program, aiming to preserve its high-quality gene stock and aid in the regeneration of native tree species in the city.
- 1 Over 100 years ago: Tree's estimated age.
- 2 Late summer 2024: Tree observed with thinning crown and yellowing leaves.
- 3 This spring (current year): Residents noticed tree remained barren.
- 4 May 30 (current year): City inspector determined tree was dying and a hazard.
- 5 Earlier this week (prior to June 13): Eric Davies visited tree to record size and gather seeds.
- 6 Next week (after June 13): Tree scheduled to be taken down.
- 7 4-7 years from now: Seeds will mature and be planted.
- The tree will be removed.
- Its genetic material will be preserved and used to grow new trees, contributing to Toronto's urban forest and biodiversity.
What: A large, old American elm tree in Toronto is dying and will be removed, prompting University of Toronto researchers to collect its seeds for a re-growth program to preserve its genetics and aid native tree regeneration.
When: Article published June 13, 2025; tree observed with thinning crown in late summer 2024; residents noticed barrenness this spring (current year); city inspector visit May 30 (current year); tree to be taken down next week (after June 13); seeds mature in four to seven years.
Where: Barton Street, Seaton Village neighborhood (Christie and Bloor streets area), Toronto, southern Ontario, Canada.
Why: The tree is dying and poses a public hazard, but it represents a valuable, resilient gene stock of American elms, which have been decimated by Dutch elm disease. The effort aims to preserve this genetic diversity and regenerate native trees.
How: University of Toronto researchers are measuring the tree and collecting its seeds. These seeds will be distributed to nurseries through the city's Tree Seed Diversity Program, grown, and then planted in city parks and ravines.