'Iconic' 154-year-old elm tree to be removed due to public safety

A tree representing a piece of Oregon history is entering its final days.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A tree representing a piece of Oregon history is entering its final days.

Despite efforts from arborists and experts to save an "iconic" 154-year-old elm tree in downtown Portland, the Portland Parks and Recreation Department has announced the only thing left to do is remove it due to public safety risk and the tree's declining health.

Designated as Heritage Tree #1 and located at 1111 SW 10th Avenue, the tree is thought to be Oregon's oldest elm. Sometimes called "Burrell elm" or "Rosa's tree," it is named after Rosetta F. Burrell, "a notable figure in Portland's history and prominent social reformer of the era," PP&R said in a release. The tree has been in place since 1870.

“It’s a credit to Rosa Burrell and marks the moment when we stopped being ‘Stumptown’ and started being a tree town," said heritage tree historian David-Paul B. Hedberg.

This all comes after unusual weather events in January brought major damage to the tree from "extraordinary winds," officials said. During that time, the tree lost "approximately one-third of its canopy."

An effort was underway by specialists, tree inspectors and arborists to save and retain it, the Parks department said. However, another major damage event happened this past Saturday in which even more of its shade-giving branches broke off. This left only half of its pre-January storm canopy remaining.

Since then, experts have determined the "remaining canopy is stressed and unhealthy and not demonstrating the ability to withstand new stressors and a reduced leaf area."

“The tree’s decline is due to unique storm events and its inability to recover from drastic canopy loss and structural impacts," said City Forester Jenn Cairo. "After thorough evaluations by multiple experienced staff with specialized technical skills, it’s clear that removal is the safest and most responsible course of action. Its iconic appearance, cooling shade, and greening presence in the neighborhood will be missed by many Portlanders.”

Plans are now underway by the Urban Forestry team to remove the tree in early August.

The Burrell elm is notable for being one of the first trees in the nation to be on a city's historic register when it was approved to be included by the City's Historical Landmarks Commission in 1975. In 1993, the elm was the first inductee into Portland's Heritage Tree Program.

“Heritage Tree #1 has been an integral part of Portland’s urban landscape and history,” said Director of Portland Parks & Recreation Adena Long. “This decision was not made lightly. Our priority is always public safety and the health of our urban forest.”  

The tree's removal next month is expected to impact traffic and pedestrian walkways. However, a bright spot still shines through all of this: A replacement tree will be planted in the same spot in 2025, officials said.