Is there an older urban tree in ߲ݴýthat is special to you?
You can nominate it for Tree of the Year before June 30
߲ݴýUrban Forest Friends and ߲ݴýTree Trust have created the Tree of the Year contest for notable, older, urban trees. They want to learn about them and help them thrive.
Do you know of a local tree that should be named the first Tree of the Year? (GUFF) and (GTT) want you to nominate notable trees and let them know why they are important to you before June 30.
One winning tree will be honoured with a ceremony and plaque, and the person who sent it in will be awarded a gift certificate as a prize.
GUFF started a Notable Tree program in 2019 which has now merged with Tree of the Year for 2025. Guff educates and advocates for trees whether they are on public or private land and brings many local groups together.
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Catherine Goddard, a volunteer co-ordinator at GTT, said that this contest will give them all more information about loved local trees, whether they are winners or not.
“We couldn’t possibly find them all ourselves, and we’re looking for trees to work on all the time,” she said. “We’re encouraging people to look at the trees around them and come up with one that’s special.”
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Goddard said the GTT is the only charitable organization that is working to save the older trees in communities. They provide expert assessments and specialized care here in ߲ݴýthrough arborist Doug Steel of Full Circle Tree Care.
The ߲ݴýTree Trust helped to care for a silver maple tree on Water Street in October 2024.
Catherine Goddard
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“Older trees in the city really have to be preserved because they are a big part of the canopy that protects us,” Goddard said. “One mature tree does the work of 300 or more saplings.”
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She said they are incredible for what they do for the environment we live in.
“It’s almost inestimable, the value of trees in general. Most life on earth starts with trees, when you think about it. They’re the ones with the magic to be able to turn the sun’s energy into usable food for all of us,” Goddard said.
Advocating for trees in your neighbourhood might save them, as has been the case a few times in the past here. Goddard said many trees have suffered for hydro lines and more.
“The focus is on keeping as many mature trees as we possibly can, and that effort becomes ever more important as the pressure of development happens within the city,” she said.
As a group they mainly look at trees that are more than 100 years old, but there are no restrictions based on age.
“It’s interesting that there’s often complete histories of buildings, but not so much for trees,” said Goddard.
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Several mature black walnut trees grow in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Guelph.
Catherine Goddard
She said people of all ages can submit entries with a photo or even a drawing. She hopes children will get involved and keep an eye out for special trees.
“The stories that come out can be multi-generational due to the lifetime of trees,” Goddard said.
She said they are really looking for older, urban trees that are native to the area. Some factors to note could be whether the tree is beautiful, unique or old, or if it thrived in unusual conditions. If you have a personal story or connection with a tree, or the community values it, GUFF and GTT want to know. A panel of expert judges will make the final call.
Nominate your favourite tree or trees now by or printing it and mailing it to 702-160 Macdonell St. Guelph, N1H 0A9.
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