City has narrowed it down to four finalists; online voting continues through July 31

By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news 

Four finalists have been selected for the 2025 tree of the year distinction in an annual contest held by the city of Ashland Tree Management Advisory Committee, according to a release from the city. 

“Now is the time to help shape the city’s tree of the year tradition!” the release said. 

The tradition of honoring the city’s arboreal residents stretches back to 1988 with only the year 2016 excepted. Previous winners of the urban woods contest can be found on the city’s website. 

The city will continue to collect votes through an online portal for the public’s favorite foliage until Thursday, July 31. 

The webpage lists the finalists as a birch at 35 Granite Street, a California black oak at 160 Church St., a California black oak at 872 Hillview Drive and a sequoia redwood at 1282 Old Willow. 

“You can only vote once, so choose wisely!” the release said. 

Questions about the contest can be directed to [email protected].

Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].