Glencoe’s 2026 Tree of the Year: A Century-Old Oak

In Glencoe, an ancient oak stands tall on the grounds of North Shore United Methodist Church. For over a century, it has provided shade and beauty to churchgoers. This year, the tree receives a new honor as Glencoe’s 2026 Tree of the Year, thanks to the village’s Tree Commission.

Community Tradition

Glencoe residents are encouraged to nominate their favorite trees, sharing the stories behind them. The village, named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for over 40 years, takes much pride in this tradition. The honor is challenging to earn.

The Oak’s Legacy

Since 1914, when the congregation’s sanctuary was established at 213 Hazel Avenue, the tree has offered solace to visitors. According to church officials, the tree was already considered “very old” at that time.

“We don’t know the exact planting date,”

said Ed Goodale, co-chair of the church’s trustees committee who nominated the tree. He estimates it might be over 140 years old and affectionately refers to it as the church’s “longest-serving member.”

For more than a decade, this oak has shaded the church’s outdoor summer services, spreading over the lawn west of the sanctuary. Despite losing a significant limb in a windstorm during the 1990s, the tree endured, reassuring local admirers.

An Asset to the Community

Phil Kiraly, Glencoe’s village manager, highlighted the importance of their urban forest, praising residents for their dedication to trees. The Tree of the Year award offers a chance to showcase significant trees annually.

Selection Criteria

The Tree Commission evaluates age, health, species, canopy spread, and community relevance. Each nominated tree receives a personal visit from a commission member for further details. Seven nominations were submitted this year.

Other notable contenders included a young apple tree by the Glencoe Historical Society and a weathered bur oak that required cabling support. Last year’s award honored a heritage bur oak on LaPier Street, standing for approximately 225 years. Known for its impressive 13-foot circumference trunk, it represented Glencoe’s lasting natural beauty.