Forest Hill oak towers above homes
Once it begins leafing, tree shades property — then produces acorns
Tree of the Week is a new weekly feature that will showcase some of the biggest and most beautiful trees in the GTA, compiled by Megan Ogilvie. This week, Stephen Reingold of Forest Hill tells us about his stunning white oak tree.
My home, built in 1927, is three-storeys high, and this oak tree towers above it by between 50 and 100 feet (15 to 30 metres). Its trunk is at least 5 feet (1.5 metres) in diameter.
There is a similar oak tree across the street on my neighbour’s property. I suspect the trees are possibly 200 or 300 years old and are from the original forest in the area, growing here well before Toronto’s beginning.
When the leaves are out in the spring, it shades the entire front property. Although I have been in this house for 20 years, this is the first year the oak tree has produced acorns.
I have always said to my wife, if there was a tree contest in Toronto, I would proudly enter my tree. If I had lived here as a kid, I would certainly have climbed it.
We take care of this tree; professional arborists cut the dead limbs and we plan to feed it nutrients this year. We are proud tree protectors.