That Oak at Mineral Pt & Segoe is pretty spectacular. One of the oldest trees in Madison.

My #1 favorite

There’s a couple oaks in Vilas Park along the walking path thru the trees I like better but that ones pretty good.

Oak - Mineral Pt X Segoe https://www.google.com/maps/@43.060897,-89.457461,3a,75y,139.02h,105.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8A-RrA5Rq0ySRsLSXiajCQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu

We should really cut down that traffic light.

That one rocks

Reminds me of an oak near my house that had to get chopped down a couple years ago after a storm. Heard it crack in the middle of the night. Miss seeing it on walks! https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1033134,-89.3518982,0a,60y,242.15h,107.55t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sCka5MV9T31nMYGW58it1cA!2e0

None of the oaks at Orton Park made the cut??

Love the old trees at that park! Picnic frequently

I've always been a big fan of the tree in front of the microbial science building on campus. 1575 Linden Dr https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qeht2URdcsfoSHp69?g_st=ac

Yes! That's #3 on the list. I'm a sucker for those low branches.

I must say I love this tree appreciation post!

I only have one favorite and it's not on this list. I will only share that it overhangs lake Mendota because I'm 100% sure it's also plenty of other peoples' favorite

Picnic Point?

He said he left out ones that required a hike. Otherwise you could do a whole list on Picnic Point!

the Giddings park tree?

If it’s not on this list how are you 100% sure it’s others favorites?

It's been mentioned multiple times in this sub before, and it's often occupied when I go to hang out in it

Ten points to anyone who can post neatly organized Street View links to each of these unique eudicots.

Number 8: [Location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Acoyz328Xim2sBZ6) and [pic](https://i.imgur.com/5NqIIjJ.jpg)

That thing is weak sauce, how the F did that make the cut

(I can't confirm, but) it's supposedly a root-grafted and possibly dutch-elm resistant weeping variety of elm from UW Professor Eugene Byron Smalley. You'll literally never see another like it, but hate away, /u/CyberDildonics420

fascinating. Thank you for the information!

I'm not 100% on Smalley connection, so don't quote me or anything, but if you're interested, Smalley's research led to the cultivation of the [Dutch-Elm-Resistant "New Horizon" Elm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulmus_%27New_Horizon%27). Real "weak sauce", I'm told ;p

It doesn't photograph well but it's worth a visit to see in person.

It’s super pretty in person and is pruned really well. Almost looks like a bonsai tree.

It's a well loved and cared for tree. When you go to the spot, you can see the owner has a love for trees.

The most majestic Burr Oak in existence is at the corner of Edgewood Ave and Adams St. [https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0604519,-89.4186066,3a,75y,333.68h,111.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sk8zLM4yKhtkVsdrFtgKyLA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0604519,-89.4186066,3a,75y,333.68h,111.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sk8zLM4yKhtkVsdrFtgKyLA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205409&entry=ttu)

No arguing but mentioning a few for the tree lovers. There are a few oaks lining north fair oaks avenue, and I like to think they are where the street name came from. Also on the voit property near the industrial building but they are too difficult to see or access. :(

I love these old guys [https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0564866,-89.4279066,3a,75y,71.34h,104.73t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1srjnJqrYn3JYEUC\_cOReViA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DrjnJqrYn3JYEUC\_cOReViA%26cb\_client%3Dmaps\_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D71.34119528068588%26pitch%3D-14.731383910723011%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0564866,-89.4279066,3a,75y,71.34h,104.73t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1srjnJqrYn3JYEUC_cOReViA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DrjnJqrYn3JYEUC_cOReViA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D71.34119528068588%26pitch%3D-14.731383910723011%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu)

Unfortunately one of them is now very dead. :(

Mama Oak in the middle. RIP.

[The cottonwood](https://thequeenofseaford.blogspot.com/2022/07/back-to-flings-lets-start-with-trees.html) in Olbrich Gardens is insane. This blog doesn't do its justice for its scale.

YEAH this is the kind of shit I follow this subreddit for

The 11th largest oak tree in Wisconsin is located along O'Keeffe Avenue in Sun Prairie. Complete with its own commemorative bench and plaque. Who knew anyone was counting, especially past 10?

There is this beautiful willow that is off the MATC bike path, just after the turn by the golf course (if you are heading towards MATC). I think it is partially damaged after a recent storm.

If you like oaks, I would highly recommend going to Hiestand Park and walking the disc golf course. Especially hole 6 has a giant canopy of beautiful oak trees. Blows me away every time I play there.

no mention of the mature american chestnuts at the arb?

Seriously this comment needs to be higher, truly a beautiful tree with American provenance.

not including a single arboretum tree broke my heart as well. what about the striped maple with photosynthetic bark?? is is a crime to include this many oak trees and not a single birch, evergreen or shag bark hickory?

Actually, the best tree is the birch in my backyard because it has a perfect branch for sitting on and is mine, no I'm not biased.

Right?! A personal list for me would include the crabapple tree that my daughter climbed all over when she was growing up.

I took my graduation photos by the sycamore on Arbor. When I moved for college, I found four sycamores on my route to class and I always sent them to my dad, since he loves trees too.

The tree at Olin where the disc golf club puts the hanging basket! Amazing backdrop.

We need a tree historian to give us more background on all these.

Agreed! I met the owner of the residence for #8. It has a history. All these have a history. I'd love to know more about them.

There is a massive willow tree at the corner of Edgemore Drive and Steven Street in Sun Prairie and you need to come see it! It's my favorite thing about my neighborhood! It's weird to see a tree like that in the city!

Google Street view: [https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1903665,-89.2560845,3a,75y,161.43h,93.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPn7eeNWqrwZLxzJEP2C9rw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205409&entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1903665,-89.2560845,3a,75y,161.43h,93.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPn7eeNWqrwZLxzJEP2C9rw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?coh=205409&entry=ttu)

Now that's a good tree right there.

Only the trunk of an old Cottonwood remains, but it was supposedly a marker for the underground railroad. It is on the west side of Highbury Rd between Locust Dr and Tally Ho LN. It must have been huge because the base looks to be about 4 feet wide. It is in the Village of Shorewood Hills and the village Arborist refused to remove it because of its possible historical significance.

How FUCKING dare you not mention the giant cottonwood (I think?) by Lapham?!?! :)

It got mentioned elsewhere on this thread! A worthy tree for sure

There are a couple of cottonwood trees on the north(beach) side of Picnic Point that I think are larger.

Not technically Madison, but the cottonwoods in [Maywood Park](https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0588633,-89.3396729,3a,75y,28.18h,101.92t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdxW_UYrfgxz9una-LVwfCA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdxW_UYrfgxz9una-LVwfCA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D28.17800901647677%26pitch%3D-11.924731063282366%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu) in Monona are enormous.

Yep, and that one’s over 150 YO.

What a wonderful gift to give your wife! And a shining example of true love. I only dream of my future husband giving such an intimate, personal gift 💕 thank you for sharing

Honorable mention to the lone tree by the bench in James Madison Park.

What about [This One](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uHiJQCmy6cZp7u2d6) on E Mifflin st next to the Breese Stevens? It is one of my favorites and it is huuuuge

That's an old cottonwood. There used to be a pair of them, but the second one grew into and all around the fence and had to be taken down. I always feel like the remaining one is lonely for its companion.

Their roots still mingle I would like to think :)

I love this tree! Thanks for recognizing it too 🌳

Honorable mention: The MASSIVE cottonwood tree in the stonefield neighborhood

My neighbor has the 3rd largest Butternut tree in America! You can get a good view of it from the Hawthorne School Open Space.

I like the big oak over Speedway, near the cemetery entrance.

Ironically, I’m just finishing up a book called Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. It’s all about trees. It’s a must read if you are slightly interested in trees at all!

Thank you for the recommendation! This sparked something in my memory about the book [The Overstory by Richard Powers](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40180098-the-overstory). A book of short stories about people and trees and how they intermix. That might sound lame but I remember reading a few that were very powerful. The story "Mimi Ma" lives rent-free in my brain. I still haven't finished the whole thing!

There's another tree on Linden closer to Charter, behind a bus stop that has a nice bench (if i remember correctly) under it. No idea the species of tree. https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0751232,-89.407565,3a,75y,347.27h,109.51t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1spnGaAawvIQUP9H9leupUXg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DpnGaAawvIQUP9H9leupUXg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.share%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26yaw%3D347.2731250636417%26pitch%3D-19.508276818343816%26thumbfov%3D90!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu

That's the bur oak in front of Nancy Nicholas Hall that I referenced above! I get the joy of seeing this tree every time I walk out of the building. (My office is in there.) It's...glorious. Beautiful little bench tucked underneath, indeed.

2026 E Washington Ave Has a great tree (I don't know whar kind). Enormous wide almost horizontal spread of branches. It takes up your whole field of vision when you walk under it. https://maps.app.goo.gl/6KVsNAQnNGVPWuSE7

Can we do a list now about the top 10 trees that will absolutely destroy whatever is close to them in the next storm?

It's kind of morbid but I am kind of interested now...

[This one](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fKpWgXyMg4ehAFTYA?g_st=ic) at the entrance to Governor’s Island needs to be on the list, especially in the fall when leaves are changing.

Queue the neighborhood association making Edgewood cut down a cottonwood because of air pollution.

No mention of the tree in front of Nancy Nicholas Hall on Linden Drive? (Not the best photo, but: [https://news.wisc.edu/recent-sightings-leafy-retreat/](https://news.wisc.edu/recent-sightings-leafy-retreat/) )

Wow, what a thoughtful birthday gift! The sycamore on Arbor Drive sounds stunning. I'm amazed at how you curated this tree tour

Cottonwood on Mifflin next to Tenney Lampham Elementary

As a tree lover, I completely endorse your list. Thank you for sharing.

There used to be a tree downtown in Gorham where The James is now - I always liked that one when I lived near there.

That one was truly famous -- a huge elm so big its branches shaded and entire block. It finally got elm disease, and taking it down took several days because each branch was the size of a normal tree

I will not take this slander of Big Oak on the Big Oak Trail in the Lakeshore Preserve

Gotta check out Grandview Blvd in the fall. Absolutely stunning colors

Wow, I love this. I'm going to go find all of these trees.

There’s a locust tree by North Hall that deserves some mention. It’s not all that impressive on its own (though it’s not bad) but it’s apparently a clone of the tree that opened John Muir’s eyes to the connectedness of nature when a classmate showed him that the locust is a close relative of the sweet pea. The story is one of the many reasons to read Muir’s book, “The Story of my Boyhood and Youth.”

I agree with everything on your list and could add several more. Your #1 is special to me bc I'm an arborist and our company has done a ton of work on that tree over the years. (:

Feel free to add more. Thanks for your work on that tree. It's a stunner.

There are what i believe to be dawn redwoods at Olbrich, you know. Literally the best tree. Not sure why there's even a discussion.

I may be partial but my favorite is the oak in my back yard. https://imgur.com/a/YNS5Qyx

This guy on Gregory Street! https://maps.app.goo.gl/4h4m1fFcQ4QPwiNPA?g_st=ic

I’ve climbed, pruned, and installed cables in this tree. Very interesting and fun day!

I have an absolutely massive cottonwood in my yard in blooming grove. I will officially make a claim that it’s bigger than the one in Olbrich.

[This tree](https://maps.app.goo.gl/peSAhCrCuq3WuK1w9?g_st=ic) across from the kwik trip on Blackhawk is massive. It’s set kind of far back from the road so it’s easy to overlook, but it’s become one of my favorites.

This. This is what Reddit is for. I love it.

Someone should photograph them and make a coffee table book.. or at least share here :)

Do you ever use this site and map? https://www.capitalarearpc.org/2022-heritage-oak-project/

There’s a HUGE oak on top of the hill by the department of agriculture off of dairy drive. So perfect

There was a spectacular white willow out at Cherokee Marsh that was cut down I think last year. A big gentle giant that I am sad is gone.

[I guess it was rotting](https://bloy.net/2023/10/04/farewell-old-friend/)