Legacy Trees of Grand Rapids Preserving Historical Arboreal Wonders

Big, old trees often provide unique habitat features like complex bark, variable canopy structure and cavities that provide homes for an array of vertebrate and invertebrate species.

Cathedral Grove (pictured below) provides an invaluable lesson in wild forest biodiversity. Unfortunately, however, its rich fir ecosystem is now threatened by uncontrolled logging practices. If you want more detailed information this tree service site provides more info about trees in Grand Rapids.

The Parkway Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) trees are well-known shady trees, revered for their vibrant autumn colors and lush foliage. As the only shade tree species that produces edible sap for wildlife to feed off of, as well as being an integral component in making real maple syrup, Sugar Maple trees have long been recognized for their distinctive beauty and value.

Early spring flowers attract insects, which pollinate trees to produce samaras (winged seeds) for birds and mammals such as squirrels and black-capped chickadees to consume as food sources.

This cultivar of Sugar Maple was developed at Morton Arboretum to thrive in our climate, featuring attractive dark green foliage that turns bright orange and red in fall, heat tolerance and drought tolerance once established.

The Parkway Chestnut

At its core, trees inspire reverence and renewal. Trees serve as living works of art whose timeless presence captures our attention and makes lasting impressions on us all.

The Parkway Chestnut or American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), is an iconic tree which has graced our landscape for generations. When Nick’s Swedish ancestor moved to an Iowa farm homestead around 1900, they planted these chestnuts as soon as he could. As part of a sacred ritual he recorded each monthly change on his Kodak No. 2 Brownie camera to monitor its growth over time.

Parkway Chestnut trees are beloved species that gardeners and landscapers love for their unique beauty, providing year-round visual interest with its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant blooms and long seedpods. They make beautiful additions to natural or cultivated landscapes.

The Parkway Sycamore

The Parkway Sycamore tree provides many benefits that elevate landscapes and gardens, including stunning ornamental beauty, natural shading capabilities, ecological support, and functional versatility. As a result, homeowners and professionals looking to create visually appealing yet eco-friendly outdoor spaces often opt for this tree.

The Redbud Tree has long been recognized as an emblematic sign of spring’s arrival, blooming into an abundance of delicate yet vibrant blooms that span from rosy pink to lavender-purple hues. This magnificent deciduous tree adds beauty and interest to cultivated and natural landscapes alike; while providing essential shade in patios, gardens areas, or other recreational spaces. Cold hardiness and soil adaptability further increase its value; additionally its ability to form clonal groves is another bonus feature favored by those seeking aesthetic pleasure as well as high productivity!

The Parkway Green Ash

Parkway Green Ash trees are beloved additions to cultivated landscapes, prized for their lush green leaves, deep burgundy fall color and fragrant blooms. Their versatility and adaptability to various soil conditions make them attractive choices for both residential and commercial projects alike.

Unfortunately, our parks and streets are being decimated by an invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This beetle attacks ash trees by laying eggs in bark crevices where its larvae feed on woody tissues that carry water and nutrients around the tree’s trunk.

If you own parkway or street ash trees in your yard, please consider ordering EAB protection today – it could mean the difference between having beautiful shade-providing trees that enhance and add value to your property and an unthinkable loss. To purchase EAB protection today, contact one of four treatment companies listed below.

The Parkway White Oak

Overcup Oak stands out as one of the most notable native deciduous trees in the southeastern United States, representing beauty and strength alike. Its majestic presence has instilled reverence and renewed hope into generations of park visitors alike.

The Overcup Oak is an enormous, majestic tree that thrives in fertile, clay soils near riverbanks and riparian areas. The species is well-suited to various environmental conditions and is an excellent choice for wetland restoration projects.

The Overcup Oak Greenway Trail can be reached from Bond Park Ropes Course parking lot, Crabtree Creek Greenway trailhead, Davis Drive park and Ed Yerha Park. It intersects three times with White Oak Bayou Hike and Bike Trail so hikers and bikers alike can experience its natural splendor.