An iconic elm tree in downtown Portland will be removed by Portland Parks & Recreation to protect community safety, due to significant damage and declining health following recent storms.

Officially designated as Heritage Tree #1, the elm has stood at 1111 SW 10th Ave. since approximately 1870 – when Portland had a population of 90,000 and people commuted by horse. This beloved landmark is known as the “Burrell elm” or “Rosa’s tree” in honor of Rosetta F. Burrell, a notable figure in Portland’s history and prominent social reformer of the era. 

Heritage Tree #1 was approved by the City’s Historical Landmarks Commission in 1975 – making Portland one of the first cities to include a tree on a historic register. When the city launched the Heritage Tree Program in 1993, the elm was given the distinct honor of being inducted first. 

“This is Portland’s first Heritage Tree, but also likely the oldest elm in Oregon,” said heritage tree historian David-Paul B. Hedberg. “It’s a credit to Rosa Burrell and marks the moment when we stopped being ‘Stumptown’ and started being a tree town.” 

In January, the tree experienced extensive damage due to extraordinary winds, resulting in major branch failures – and losing approximately one-third of its canopy. Due to the tree’s historic importance, specially trained and experienced supervisors, arborists, and tree inspectors with Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry team developed a plan to care for and retain it.

However, on July 20, the tree sustained another major branch loss, leaving just half of its canopy prior to the January storm. The remaining canopy is stressed and unhealthy, and the tree is not demonstrating the ability to withstand new stressors and reduced leaf area. 

“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.” 

City Forester Jenn Cairo added, “The tree’s decline is due to unique storm events and its inability to recover from drastic canopy loss and structural impacts. 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.” 

The Urban Forestry team will remove the tree in early August, with traffic and pedestrian impacts expected in the area. They will plant a replacement tree in 2025. Heritage Tree #1 shows no signs of Dutch Elm Disease. 

Source: Portland Parks and Recreation

Doc Reno