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The City of Burlington is working to make Spencer Smith Park more accessible while ensuring the cherry trees remain beautiful and picturesque for all to enjoy.
Over the past several years, the City’s forestry team has undertaken various efforts to support the health of these trees, including selective pruning and the removal of trees that were overcrowded. Despite these efforts, the remaining trees are now nearing the end of their natural lifespan. This area of Spencer Smith Park, including the paved pathway is also due for a renewal.
To ensure the continued presence of cherry trees in Spencer Smith Park for the next generation of residents, the City will implement a phased renewal plan over a six-year period. See below for phase details.
This approach allows cherry trees to be removed and replaced gradually to protect the tradition of cherry blossom display. Many of the existing cherry trees are declining in health and this method gives the new trees time to grow before the older ones are taken out for health reasons. The renewal work is being carefully coordinated with major event organizers, so the updated space will support event needs. Because there are important underground utilities in the area as well other existing trees being protected, there are limits on how much broad public engagement can happen. Instead, there will be targeted consultation with key groups (utilities, event organizers) who have a direct interest in the project.
Project Phasing Plan
Phase 1
The first phase includes the construction of a new concrete pathway in fall 2026 and the planting of new cherry trees in spring 2027.
| Project Description | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Project tender and award process |
Summer 2026 |
|
New pathway construction |
Fall 2026 |
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Planting of new cherry trees |
Spring 2027 |
Phase 2
The second phase will begin in 2031 and include the reconstruction of the existing pathway as well as cherry tree removals and replacements.
| Project Description | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Removal of existing cherry trees and replacement with new cherry trees |
2031 |
|
Renewal of existing pathway |
2031 |
Note: The construction schedule outlined is tentative. Delays and schedule changes may occur throughout the course of the project.
Project Contacts
Marion Rabeau, Manager of Design and Construction - Parks
Email Marion Rabeau
Steve Robinson, Manager of Forestry
Email Steve Robinson
| Why are the cherry trees being removed? |
|
The cherry trees are at the end of their lifespan and beginning to fail. Cherry trees tend to have shorter lives when grown as ornamental trees, with a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years. The natural and gradual decline in health is not unusual, and the City's ongoing maintenance efforts have helped extend their life expectancy to the fullest. Some trees have already been removed in 2024 for safety reasons. Based on the lifespan of these trees, the City is proactively planning a like-for-like replacement of cherry trees as part of the broader Spencer Smith Park accessibility project. |
| Why can’t they be saved? |
| Forestry staff have worked hard to prolong their life but they can only do so much. Staff have been able to extend their life to this point. Cherry trees tend to have shorter lives when grown as ornamental trees, with a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years. |
| When are the trees being removed? |
| Trees will be removed in the spring of 2031. If there is an immediate risk to public safety, the trees will be removed right away. |
| Are any other trees being removed? |
| Yes. A total of eight invasive trees will be removed. They are Tree of Heaven and Norway Maples. |
| What is happening now? |
| Phase 1 of the pathway improvement project will begin this fall, after Ribfest. Phase 1 includes construction of new asphalt pathways and the planting of new cherry trees along the new asphalt pathway. |
| Why is there so much time between planting the new trees and removing the old ones? |
| The time between the planting and removal is to give the new trees time to establish, grow and bloom before the old trees are removed. |
| Can I get a piece of the old wood? |
|
We understand there may be interest in preserving pieces of the removed trees. The removal portion of this work is still several years away. Recent removals of cherry trees of similar age and condition has shown that the wood hasn’t been suitable for woodworking due to cracks and decay. Staff are exploring ways to commemorate removed trees, and we’ll share more information as we get closer to the removal portion of this project. |
Documents, reports and updates
Updates will be posted throughout the project
| Project updates |
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