Cities are ever changing, adapting and growing. Buildings rise, skylines shift, people come and go. But through all this, trees remain, some rooted in their spot for hundreds of years as their surroundings evolve around them.  

These trees are our living history, linking the past to the present while offering shade, beauty, and biodiversity. Across the world, certain trees have become icons – living landmarks that tell the stories of their cities and communities.  

Here are five of the most famous urban trees from around the globe, each showing why mature city trees matter more than ever. 

El Árbol del Tule – Oaxaca, Mexico 

In the small town of Santa María del Tule, just outside Oaxaca City, stands El Árbol del Tule – a colossal Montezuma cypress with scientific estimates putting it at around 1,500 years old! With a trunk over 40 metres in circumference, it holds the world record for the widest tree trunk.  

This tree is woven into the religion of the town, with local Zapotec knowledge stating that it was planted about 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest of the Aztec wind god Ehecatl. The site is now a Roman Catholic Church, so whilst the worshipped god of the location may change, the tree remains. 

Jindai-Zakura – Hokuto City, Japan 

Japan’s oldest known cherry tree, the Jindai-Zakura, grows in the grounds of Jissō-ji Temple in Hokuto City, north of Tokyo. Thought to be around 2,000 years old, it still blossoms every spring, its pink flowers drawing visitors from across the country. Legend says the tree was planted by a mythical prince, and for centuries it has been cared for by monks and arborists who support its heavy branches with wooden props.

The Jindai-Zakura represents how trees become part of cultural identity - marking seasons, inspiring art, and reminding us of the beauty in endurance. Its annual blossom is not just a natural event but a celebration of life and renewal at the heart of Japanese tradition. 

Hangman's Elm – Washington Square Park, New York City  

Standing at the northwest corner of Washington Square Park, the Hangman’s Elm is an English elm and Manhattan’s oldest known living tree, estimated to be over 300 years old.  

This tree would have witnessed the city transition from Dutch colonial rule as New Netherland, to British New York, and then continue thriving through the American revolution. 

Despite its morbid name, there’s no proof the tree was ever used for hangings, but it does stand round the corner from what was once a prison, and might have had a clear view of executions through the centuries. 

Wood Street Plane Tree – London, UK 

In the middle of London’s busy financial district, hemmed in by offices and traffic, stands the Wood Street Plane Tree. This solitary London plane has been growing since at least the 18th century on the site of the old St Peter Cheap Church, destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666.  

Today, surrounded by glass and concrete, it continues to flourish – connecting modern Londoners with their city’s deep history, and a testament to the importance of prioritising the protection of trees amidst redevelopment.  

Pillalamarri- Telangana, India  

Also known as the "Children’s Banyan," this monumental Ficus benghalensis is estimated to be around 700–800 years old and is a major tourist attraction due to its cultural significance and the tombs of Muslim saints in its vicinity. 

Its expansive canopy, supported by numerous aerial roots, creates a unique and enchanting landscape that families travel from miles around to enjoy.  

Younger trees making history