Standing Tall for Our White Pines
Standing Tall for Our White Pines
Oakvillegreen recently had the pleasure of visiting one of the last large standing eastern white pines (Pinus strobus) in South Oakville. Standing an impressive 102 feet tall with a 70 foot crown spread, this extraordinary tree is over 210 years old, making it older than the Town of Oakville itself.
This remarkable tree has been thriving on one family's property for the past 62 years with their care and stewardship, though it had been growing there long before they purchased the home. Growing up with a giant white pine in their backyard has created countless memories, from spending warm summer evenings resting beside its trunk while hundreds of fireflies danced through the air to watching an incredible diversity of wildlife.
“When Winsor first approached me about this tree, I knew immediately that it was something extraordinary. I was deeply moved by the story and by our visit to this special place,” says Oakvillegreen’s Executive Director, Anelia Tichkova. “By sharing this story with the rest of Oakville, we hope to inspire others to become proud tree stewards. Old‑growth trees cannot be replaced, and their protection depends on all of us.”
Over the years, the tree has provided vital habitat for many species. During our visit alone, we recorded 22 bird species, highlighting the incredible biodiversity this single tree continues to support. Red-tailed hawks have successfully raised fledglings here, with their nest perched near the top of the towering pine, while eastern screech owls, downy and hairy woodpeckers, Baltimore orioles, and many other birds have all found shelter among its branches.
When the family first moved in, more than half of the surrounding landscape was covered with white pines. Today, that landscape has changed dramatically as development, property expansion, and shoreline clearing to improve lake views have reduced the area's tree cover.
Growing up alongside this magnificent eastern white pine, Winsor's sons, Andrew and Michael, developed a deep appreciation for these iconic trees. Reflecting on their childhood, Andrew shared, “We were given a special gift growing up with a tree like this”, adding that “We were all influenced by the magical connection we developed with that tree”. That lifelong connection inspired both brothers to immerse themselves in nature and get involved in the protection of old growth pines in the Temagami area in the late 1980s.
These passionate homeowners have collected more than 1,000 seeds from their white pine. Their vision is to grow and plant seedlings throughout the neighbourhood, creating a living "yellow brick road" that leads back to the mother tree in their backyard. This idea is rooted in science: research suggests that seedlings planted near a mature "mother tree" can benefit from shared root systems and underground mycorrhizal networks, which allow established trees to transfer water, nutrients, and other resources to help support the growth and survival of young trees.
Beyond its ecological importance, this eastern white pine has made an incredible contribution to climate resilience. Over its lifetime, it has sequestered 15,395.85 kilograms (33,942 pounds) of carbon from the atmosphere and contains an estimated 8,390.11 kilograms (18,497 pounds) of dry biomass. Even more impressively, the tree remains healthy, with a lush green canopy that continues to support wildlife and inspire everyone who has the opportunity to stand beneath it.
A special thank you to Bartlett Tree Experts for assessing this remarkable tree and helping document its size, age, and excellent health. Watching their arborists climb nearly 100 feet into the canopy was unforgettable, a reminder of both the skill required to care for giants like this and the awe these trees inspire. This tree brought us together and sparked a partnership rooted in care and respect for the natural world. Together, stories like this remind us why protecting our remaining mature eastern white pines is so important for wildlife, climate, and future generations.
Looking for more information on this glorious giant? Email us at info@oakvillegreen.org
Want to meet this tree in person? Sign up for our family-friendly walk “Standing Tall for Our White Pines” today!