Stark, deciduous branches are silhouetted against a dull, grey sky. Last summer’s nests are now visible: large, bulky platforms (eagles), messy clusters of twigs tucked in the forks of limbs (crows), and dainty, mossy cups nestled in shrubs (chickadees). We can’t see all the evidence of bird life behind curtains of cedar boughs, but we know it’s there.
The very largest trees make us anxious when they sway and creak in the winter wind. Decayed branches may break and fall under a load of snow. Many large trees are older than our oldest human residents and could be considered heritage trees, but that doesn’t mean they are dangerous or need to be removed. With careful management, large trees can continue to sequester carbon, cast welcome shade in the summer and provide shelter for wildlife. It’s all part of the urban forest life cycle.
Large trees may be designated as heritage trees. Heritage trees are classified by old age, large size, or cultural significance. In Ontario, if a tree is designated as a heritage tree, it is protected by provincial legislation. In Lahaina, Maui, a cherished 150-year old Banyan tree welcomes tourists from all over the world. Although badly burned in a fire storm in 2023, bright green leaves and shoots are sprouting!
From left, the banyan tree in Lahaina, Hawaii, is pictured in 2011 and 2023. Image Credit: Getty/Chris Imonti via CNN.com
What is considered old? The first clue is size. In the Fraser Valley, trees grow very quickly, both in girth and height. If the diameter exceeds 30 centimeters, it’s probably old. An arborist can estimate the age based on size or by boring the trunk to remove a core and counting the annual rings.
A large tree may be a prominent community landmark. For example, on Park Drive at Cultus Lake, there is a massive Douglas-fir tree in the middle of the road. Cars used to drive around the tree but now that section of road is closed to vehicle traffic.
Check out this Douglas Fir tree walk, here.
Cultural significance includes a range of criteria such as cultural or spiritual value by Indigenous people, or association with a historic person or event. This could include cultural modification like removal of bark strips or blazes (axe cuts) to mark a trail. An avenue of planted trees in Surrey on the north side of Old McLellan Road between Bell Road and Christ Church dates back to 1884. (Field trip, anyone?) The Rock Tree in the Kennedy neighbourhood of Surrey is a Western Red cedar growing out of a split glacial boulder that holds spiritual significance to the local First Nations Community and is listed in the registry of Canada’s Historic Places. In Langley, 37 trees were planted in memory of fallen soldiers from WW1, four of which are still alive and are very large and notable community landmarks.
2004 photo of the Avenue of trees, Old McLellan Road, Surrey BC. Formally recognized in 1986, it was added to the Canadian Historic Places Register in 2004. Image Credit: www.historicplaces.ca
View of Rock Tree from 91A Ave. in Surrey. Added to Canada's Historic Places Register in 2006. Image Credit: www.historicplaces.ca
Almost all municipalities in the Fraser Valley have some kind of tree protection bylaw. A tree in a national, provincial, or municipal park may not be removed without permission. Typically, trees of large diameter, wildlife trees, heritage trees, and trees near water require a permit for removal. Chilliwack does not have a tree protection bylaw. Some local, like-minded tree lovers have established the Chilliwack Urban Forest Advocacy Group, dedicated to protecting large, special trees in our community. We are photographing, measuring, researching, and digitally locating amazing specimens, and welcome public input. Heritage trees are important, and we must act now to preserve their legacy.
“Ancient trees are precious. There is little else on Earth that plays host to such a rich community of life within a single living organism.” – Sir David Attenborough
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