Chicago Resident Dated Removed Ash Tree Stump
A Lincoln Square resident honored a century-old ash tree by documenting its growth rings after summer storms.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Botany
Live Poll
Would you support creating public memorials for trees removed from your neighborhood streets?
Following summer 2026 storms that claimed thousands of trees across Chicago, a Lincoln Square resident meticulously dated a removed ash tree stump. The tree, which stood on a local parkway, contained 98 growth rings.
Why it matters
Marking the rings provides a tangible tribute to the lifespan of urban trees that contribute to a neighborhood's character. Such efforts help residents visualize the history embedded in their local environment.
The ash tree featured 98 growth rings, indicating it was planted in 1928 just three years after the adjacent bungalow was built. Bruce Wexelberg utilized a grinder with a sanding disc to reveal the rings before labeling them with a pencil and marker.
The players
Bruce Wexelberg
He is a local resident who processed the tree stump to reveal its age as a community tribute.
McDermott
He is the long-term occupant of the bungalow who has resided at the property since 1987.
The details
The tree was removed following damage sustained during the summer 2026 storms that struck the city. Bruce Wexelberg, a neighbor, performed the marking process as a tribute to the tree's longevity and history in the Lincoln Square community.
Timeline
The bungalow home was built in 1925.
The ash tree was planted in 1928.
McDermott began living in the house in 1987.
Storms caused the removal of many city trees in the summer of 2026.
The Big Picture
The removal of this ash tree follows the documented trend of urban canopy loss identified in the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation's tree canopy management data. This loss illustrates the ongoing impact of severe weather on the infrastructure of established city neighborhoods.
Understanding the age of neighborhood trees allows residents to better appreciate the long-term impact of urban forestry and maintenance. This knowledge can inform how local property owners value mature trees and prepare for the maintenance challenges posed by extreme weather.
The takeaway
Preserving the history of local flora through physical markers helps ground urban communities in their natural timeline. Residents interested in their local canopy can often estimate the age of removed trees by counting annual growth rings.
Further reading
Learn more about local plant life in the Botany section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTW News.
Live Poll
Would you support creating public memorials for trees removed from your neighborhood streets?
