Chicago Resident Dated Removed Lincoln Square Ash Tree
A local homeowner manually identified the lifespan of an ash tree removed following summer 2026 storms.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Botany
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Following the removal of city trees due to summer 2026 storms, a Lincoln Square resident processed an ash tree stump to determine its precise age. Analysis of the tree's physical growth rings revealed it dated back to 1928, existing alongside a home built in 1925.
Why it matters
This manual dendrochronological analysis serves as a record of the urban canopy lifespan in Lincoln Square. It highlights the loss of mature trees that have stood for nearly a century as Chicago faces significant infrastructure changes following recent severe weather events.
The tree contained 98 growth rings, indicating it was planted in 1928. This age was confirmed through manual sanding and ring marking techniques.
The players
Bruce Wexelberg
A Lincoln Square resident who performed the manual dendrochronological marking of the tree stump.
McDermott
A resident of the bungalow since 1987.
The details
To determine the age of the specimen, Bruce Wexelberg utilized a grinder equipped with a sanding disc to smooth a visible strip of the stump. He then identified and marked the growth rings—concentric layers of wood added annually by the tree—in increments of 10 using a pencil and a permanent marker. This process allowed for a clear visual representation of the tree's full 98-year lifespan within the parkway.
Timeline
1925: The bungalow home was built.
1928: The ash tree was planted.
1987: McDermott began living in the house.
Summer 2026: Storms caused the removal of many city trees.
The Tech Race
This documentation follows the widespread canopy loss initiated by the summer 2026 Chicago storm-driven tree removals. It provides a granular look at the historical loss of infrastructure compared to the citywide scope of the recovery effort.
Local residents in Lincoln Square can observe the stump as a physical record of the neighborhood's history prior to the recent storm damage. The documentation serves as a community reference for the longevity of parkway trees near historic bungalow housing.
The takeaway
This effort highlights the value of individual record-keeping in tracking the history of urban flora. Residents interested in their local canopy can look for future municipal reports on tree replacement cycles following the 2026 storm season.
Further reading
For more information on the local canopy, explore the Botany section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTW News.
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