Back to SearchOver the past several years, routine forestry monitoring has shown a decline in the health of the cherry trees in Spencer Smith Park. In 2024, three trees were removed after inspections confirmed they were dying and posed a safety risk.
The City’s Forestry team has worked to support the trees through selective pruning and the removal of overcrowded trees. Despite these efforts, many of the remaining trees are nearing the end of their natural lifespan. Recent assessments confirmed that a phased removal and replanting strategy is needed to ensure public safety, beginning with the immediate removal of eight trees at risk of failure.
We know the cherry trees are well-loved and hold deep sentimental value within the Burlington community, especially as they were a gift from our twin city, Itabashi, Japan. While we are saddened by their decline, public safety must remain our priority.
To preserve the presence of cherry trees in Spencer Smith Park, the City has planned a phased removal and replanting strategy in coordination with a pathway upgrades project at Spencer Smith Park next year:
Timeline for cherry tree removals and replanting at Spencer Smith Park
Oct. 8, 2025
Eight cherry trees identified as dead or in serious decline have been removed for public safety. Trees were identified as showing symptoms of poor structural condition, including:
- vertical cracks,
- dead branches,
- evidence of internal decay
We understand that the cherry trees are well-loved and hold deep sentimental value within the Burlington community and we are saddened to remove some of them. However, the safety of park visitors comes first.
The remaining 26 cherry trees will stay in place, unless further urgent removals are needed.
Fall 2026
Phase 1 of the new pathway improvement project begins. This includes building a new accessible asphalt pathway and planting new cherry trees along the pathway. No trees will be removed at this time. Work is scheduled for the fall to protect tree health and reduce disruption to summer events.
Spring 2031
Phase 2 of the pathway improvement project begins, which includes the removal and replacement of the remaining aging cherry trees that are in decline, and reconstruction of the existing path with a new 4 metre wide concrete path. By this time, the new trees planted in 2026 will be well established, ensuring cherry blossoms continue to thrive in the park.
Existing Conditions and Project Phasing Plan
As part of this work, the City is exploring meaningful ways to honour the trees through future memorial opportunities. This includes the potential preservation of elements from the removed trees. The City is doing everything possible to ensure this is handled with care; however, given the significant decline in the health of these trees, the City is still assessing what may be feasible.
Planning for the Spencer Smith Park pathway upgrades is in the early stages and the City will share further updates in the coming months. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for updates at burlington.ca/Subscribe and to follow the City of Burlington on social media (@CityBurlington) to stay informed.
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