Commission recommends two dawn redwoods near Kirkham Avenue as 2025 Trees of Distinction

The Webster Groves Green Space Advisory Commission on its recent meeting recommended a pair of dawn redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) growing on a property near Kirkham Avenue and visible from Brainerd Street as its 2025 Trees of Distinction.

Commission members said the trees were planted about 45 years ago by a resident named Ralph Hoffman. A volunteer, Joe Opie, measured trunk diameter at breast height and provided summary measurements to the commission; the commission described the trees as healthy and “majestic-looking.” The trees were reported to be listed as a Plant of Merit by the Missouri Botanical Garden in materials shared with the commission.

The commission discussed presenting the homeowner with a plaque that includes a barcode linking to the city’s trees webpage and said it plans to invite the owner to the Arbor Day event. Members also discussed a small additional recognition such as a book or gift card for the nominee. The subcommittee said it will circulate photos and a brief write-up for the formal Arbor Day presentation.

The nomination was presented as a recommendation from the Trees of Distinction subcommittee; the transcript records the recommendation but does not show a formal recorded vote at the meeting. The commission flagged steps for follow-up, including finalizing plaque text and coordinating the owner invitation and Arbor Day program details.

The trees are located in a residential yard off Kirkham Avenue, near the intersection with Hall and across from Larson Park. Commission members noted the species is uncommon in the area and not considered invasive.

The commission plans to finalize the recognition and arrange presentation logistics ahead of Arbor Day.