Massive white oak predates historic estate
Just steps from Lake Ontario, 250-year-old tree is across from R.Y. Eaton Coach House
Tree of the Week showcases some of the biggest and most beautiful trees in the GTA, as compiled by Megan Ogilvie. Here, Gene and Alice Meandro tell us about their massive white oak tree and its importance in their Port Credit community.
Growing tall on our front lawn, nestled between two parks and just steps from Lake Ontario, this magnificent white oak tree has been a witness to its changing surroundings for more than 250 years.
Our home is located across the street from the historic R.Y. Eaton Coach House, which was built in 1913 and was once a part of a 17-acre estate.
From its size, it’s clear our oak tree has been here for much longer than the historic estate.
The tree’s towering crown of branches spans more than half of the width of our 30-metre (100 foot) property in Port Credit, while its trunk measures an as- tonishing 4.5 metres (15 feet) in circumference. It takes more than three people holding hands to encircle its massive trunk.
The base of the tree used to be level with our driveway, but the strong root ball has created a large mound on our front lawn. We think it adds character to our landscape.
At some point, a chain was installed between its big, spreading branches to keep the tree from splitting, and now the oak has grown around the chains, which have become an integral part of the tree.
This tree leads to a lot of raking, but it is well worth it.
And you have to be outside early on a fall day to find a whole acorn, as the squirrels love to feast on them, only leaving empty cracked shells by the afternoon.
Woodpeckers, large and small, love our tree, and though we often hear them hammering away, it can be hard to find them among the massive branches.
We have owned this property since early in 1999 and have grown to love the majesty of our tree. People drive by and stop to photograph it in all seasons. Thanks so much to the Star for honouring our tree.