REGINA - The City of Regina is preparing to say goodbye this weekend to what is believed to be the oldest tree standing in downtown Victoria Park.
An American Elm next to Pat Fiacco Plaza on the north side of the park is believed to have been planted there 123 years ago.
But according to officials, the plan is for city crews to remove the tree early on Sunday morning, a time chosen to ensure the safety of people in the plaza.
The tree has been in declining health over the last number of years and is now showing obvious signs of being at the end of its life, with a number of limbs and branches missing.
“The tree limbs just don’t look as full and wonderful as it used to be,” said Veronica Schroder, Coordinator of Forestry, Pests & Horticulture with the City of Regina. “She’s declining in health, and we want to make sure that the tree is going to be removed before it becomes a hazard to other trees as well as patrons of the park.”
One reason they want to remove the tree now is so it doesn’t get Dutch Elm Disease that could pose problems for other healthy trees in the area. They also want to still be able to use the wood from the tree while they still can.
The intention is for wood to be donated to a local Indigenous community for ceremonial burns, in consultation with elders. As well, the trunk will be saved for use for a future community based art project.
In a statement Russell Eirich, manager of Open Space services said “we are sad to see a part of Regina’s history and urban forest be removed, but the tree will continue to be a part of the community for years to come.”
As for the future of the space, Schroder said there are no definite plans to plant trees there to replace it, but the city typically does plant 800 trees a year to replenish the urban forest.
American Elms make up about 30 per cent of the trees in Regina and Schroder said they grow “very well in our conditions.” While this is the oldest tree in Victoria Park, Schroder said there are likely older ones in Cathedral and in North Central neighbourhoods.
It is known there is an American Elm in Wascana Centre believed to be 120 years old, which is the oldest Elm tree in that park.
There are challenges to keeping them healthy, with Schroder pointing to a “significant drought” in Regina that plays a major part in stressing the trees.
According to a city news release, Regina city crews had tried to maintain the tree in Victoria Park in recent years with minimal pruning, special fencing during downtown events, and radial trenching done to reduce compaction and aerate the root layer of the tree.
“I think we have done exceptionally well having her last this long,” said Schroder.
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