Tree service professionals of Vancouver, British Columbia share the history of some of the old growth trees that are within easy access of the city.
Get to Know Some of the Oldest Trees in Vancouver
The city of Vancouver prides itself on being a green city. There are lots of trees and plants along the busy byways. We strive for a natural balance, but that was not always the case. The history of logging in the area is a complicated one. Many ancient growth trees were cut down. Fortunately, a small portion has been preserved just in time and now can be enjoyed by the thousands of people who visit Vancouver every year. This article will discuss a few of the most noteworthy trees and their locations.
The Hollow Tree
This is the only tree on the list that is not alive, but it is still a major tourist attraction. The hollowed out trunk of this ancient Western Red Cedar tree stands in Stanley Park, and is perfect for photo ops. It was estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old when it died and the hollow trunk that remains is 60 feet in circumference. There are pictures of cars, groups of people, and even an elephant standing within the hollow trunk.
Grandpa Capilano
Capilano River Regional Park has a treasure trove on aged trees. These Douglas firs are tall and create a rain resistant canopy, making it a great place for a drizzly day hike. The tallest among them is Grandpa Capilano, a tree with an 8-foot diameter. Though its top was lost in a storm, it is still a sight to behold. The nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge Park allows guests to walk high off the ground among the 250-year-old Douglas firs.
The Hollyburn Fir
Though a bit off the beaten path, the Hollyburn Fir is well worth a short trip into Vancouver’s western forests. The tree is over 1,000 years old and has an amazing circumference of 33 feet and a height of 44 feet. It stands sentinel near the Millstream and Brewis Trails. Be sure to take a map if you decide to venture in!
The Big Cedar
At the end of a strenuous hike down old logging trails, stands the Big Cedar. Unlike some other specimens, this cedar has several upper trunks and has a gnarled appearance. This is likely what saved it from logging many years ago.It is over 600 years old and has a diameter of about 13 feet.
The Cheewhat Cedar and the Carmanah Giant
Purported to be Canada’s largest tree, the Cheewhat Cedar resides in another area that was once for logging and is now a protected area called Cathedral Grove. The Cheewhat Cedar is over 2,000 years old and has an almost unbelievable height of 182 feet. The circumference is more than 60 feet. Nearby is the Carmanah Giant, the tallest Sitka spruce in existence, whose height is an enormous 312 feet tall.
About VI Tree Service
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