Tree of the Week showcases some of the biggest and most beautiful trees in the GTA, as compiled by Megan Ogilvie. Here, Benj Hellie, along with other members of the Ossington Community Association, tell us about the beloved American elm tree that grows on Fennings St., just steps from bustling Queen St. W.

This beautiful and towering old elm tree is well-known in the community and we believe it should receive heritage recognition.

It is far older than anything else for blocks. Presumably it is old growth, present on the land prior to its clearing for subdivision in 1876. These days, its trunk exceeds 1.2 m (4 feet) in diameter.

For help compiling stories about this tree, I turned to members of the Ossington Community Association’s Facebook page. Members have much to say about this elm. Here is a collection of what they wrote.

Some folks have used the tree for way-finding, with its exceptional size yielding exceptional results. “Turn at the big tree” has been a common phrase in the neighbourhood when providing directions.

Other residents remember using the tree for hide-and-seek, bringing associations with other aspects of childhood on Fennings.

Laura Hansch writes: “That is the street where I grew up on … wow … we used to play hide-and-seek and that tree was the perfect hiding spot, and also a great tree to run around when playing tag. I used to lean against that tree waiting for my family members, so I could direct them to my house.”

From Michelley Watman: “I grew up with this tree. That tree and many more on Fennings will always hold a special place in my heart. As kids we used to play hide-and-seek, tag, street hockey and jump rope.”

And some current residents converse with the tree, or at least talk to it.

Lisa Deanne Smith, who has lived on Fennings St. for nearly 19 years, writes: “I say hi to this tree every day.” And in reply, Roberta McNaughton writes: “I have talked to this tree, too, over the years. I ask it what it’s seen, and apologize for the concrete that surrounds it and the cars that drive up too close beside it. Sometimes just a hello, too. We should compare notes.”

Note: Once common in the area, American elm trees were almost completely wiped out in the 1960s by Dutch elm disease. This American (white) elm is owned and maintained by the city and is among the few remaining large American elms in Toronto. According to staff in the city’s urban forestry department, they will “continue monitoring the tree for Dutch elm disease and will administer treatment as required.”

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