For its Notable Tree Award for 2022, GUFF has selected the huge Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) in front of 303 Edinburgh Road South – a tree that owes its present appearance and well-being to the actions of concerned citizens over three decades ago. In 1986 Guelph needed an adequate power supply for new residential growth in the south end of the city and for growth in the Hanlon Industrial Park. Guelph Hydro found it necessary to construct a new high voltage circuit from the Cedar Street Transformer Station to the southern part of the city. The most suitable route was south along Edinburgh Road on the west side of the street. The east side already had hydro poles and lines, but it was felt a separate system of poles was needed to prevent blackouts resulting from pole damage.
Hydro’s proposal involved replacing the relatively short Bell Canada poles with higher poles which would carry the additional high voltage circuit. The path was unobstructed except in one location where a large, mature Bur Oak tree stood in the way. It was estimated at the time that the tree was over 150 years old and stood about 30 metres high.
Guelph Hydro proposed three alternatives to the city’s engineering department:
- Remove the tree and replace it with a type compatible with the urban setting
- Remove the top portion of the tree and allow the tree to then branch out at a lower elevation
- Discontinue the overhead lines in the area of the tree and locate the lines underground at an added cost of $25,000 to $30,000 (1986 $)
Removing the tree did not meet the approval of the adjacent property owners (Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bates), who had been caring for the tree since new sidewalks were installed near it. The city engineering department was in favour of pruning the top portion of the tree and reducing its height by 8 metres, so that overhead wires would go above it, and thus recommended this to city council in July of 1986. Many residents at the time did not agree with this recommendation. They consulted local arborists and specialists on underground auger methods to ask their opinions. Local arborists agreed that pruning the tree would be detrimental to its health and appearance. Placing the wires underneath the tree would be too costly and could still injure the tree. Then another option came to light; run the hydro line across Edinburgh Road to an existing pole on the east side of the road, then cross back once past the tree. This was the option favoured by concerned local residents who convinced City Council of its merits. As a result, Council advised Guelph Hydro to not touch the tree and the hydro line was rerouted across the street and around the tree. The solution was simple enough and yet it allowed this beautiful tree to continue living for future generations to experience its grandeur. Passersby can gaze at it with amazement at its incredible size and health, right next to one of Guelph’s busiest roads!