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12/09/2010

Mapping Significant Arbutus of Vancouver Island

Detail of Arbutus in Roche Cove Park, Sooke





This map augments a post I did on one of British Columbia's most beautiful and unique native trees - the Arbutus. The interactive map highlights some of the significant Arbutus on Vancouver Island, mostly in the Victoria and S. Island area where the peeling bark evergreen trees are most common.



View Victoria and S. Island Big Arbutus in a larger map

Click on the tree icons for more information.

Some of the Arbutus noted are street trees in urban areas, while others can be found in more natural and remote settings. All are amazing trees surviving in a harsh, coastal environment. Often living on rocks in marginal soil not far from the ocean, these tough trees withstand constant pounding from water and wind storms. When a calmer summer arrives, Arbutus are denied water for extended lengths of time during these droughts. 
Big Arbutus and Douglas-fir, Roche Cove Park, Sooke
Click on photo for larger image.

You can use the map above to learn more about Arbutus. You can use the tree icons, or zoom in to view more detailed maps. Try using 'Street View' by pulling the little person icon (on the top left) down to the street you would like to view. It will give you a view of the street as if you are driving a car.

This is a very interesting, low carbon method to see some of the urban trees without leaving your own home. A good rainy day winter activity.


Do you have a favourite  Arbutus on Vancouver Island? Please leave a comment below letting us know where it is.

4 comments:

  1. james at treesofvictoria.com14/6/21

    There is a living arbutus on East Saanich Road that measures 6.85 m circumference, the location is 48.60861, -123.42139. I am the author of the treesofvictoria.com website and I have measured the Thetis Islandarbutus at 6.49 m circumference but it is dead. You may wish to check this one out. James Clowater

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9/11/25

      Thanks James- I'll go have a look at that Arbutus

      Delete
  2. Anonymous4/5/26

    I have a 50+ foot thick arbutus in my front yard . I've been caring for it for 11 years . Where can I find out the age and history of the one I have ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6/5/26

      There are several ways to check -

      Measure trunk circumference at breast height (1.3 m / 4.5 ft) and note site exposure and trunk form.

      Convert to diameter (D = circumference / π) and radius.

      Estimate age non‑invasively using radial growth rates ~1–3 mm/yr (use lower end for exposed coastal trees): age ≈ radius (mm) / growth rate (mm/yr).

      For greater accuracy, extract an increment core to count rings (requires skill/permits; may fail if center is rotten).

      If center is rotten or coring not possible, take multiple lateral cores and reconstruct missing rings or use historical photos/maps and consult a dendrochronology lab or arborist.

      Always try to minimize harm to the tree.

      Let us know what you find out. Sounds like a beautiful tree.

      Gregg Koep









      Delete

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