An elm tree that’s been growing in downtown Portland since about 1870 will be removed by the city over safety concerns.
Known officially as Heritage Tree #1 , the elm at 1111 SW 10th Ave. has seen Portland grow from a city of about 90,000 people to a metropolis of over half a million. It was planted in front of the home of Rosetta Burrell, “a notable figure” and “prominent social reformer” of the time, according to Portland Parks and Recreation.
Portland became one of the first cities to include a tree on a historic register in 1975 when the elm was approved by the city’s Historical Landmarks Commission, and it was listed as the first Heritage Tree when the program was launched in 1993.
“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 decision was not made lightly. Our priority is always public safety and the health of our urban forest,” said Portland Parks and Recreation Director Adena Long.
Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation