Green With Envy

Print

E-mail

Text

One of the issues we often neglect is long-term planning for our gardens. The beautiful deciduous shade tree that is more than 70 years old in some gardens will not last forever. Replacement trees that are fast growing and offer natural beauty to our landscapes are important for our future tree canopy.

In a new housing development, there may be no trees planted at all; in this situation we are fortunate to have an open palette. However, we have a responsibility to select the right tree for the right place in our gardens.

I have done some investigation as to what makes a good starter tree:

* Moderate to fast growing

* Multiple seasons of interest (bark, flowers and foliage)

* Tolerance to urban conditions

* Limited susceptibility to pests and diseases

It is important that any tree planted in a new development will grow relatively quickly. Unfortunately, a tree that creates instant shade or privacy with a large canopy is impossible; we have to wait for the tree to grow for a considerable amount of time.

There are several nurseries located in and outside of Toronto that can provide larger caliper trees. The word caliper describes the diameter of a tree about four to five feet from ground level. A more mature tree will have a larger caliper.

Typically, the larger caliper trees are more expensive to purchase. A red maple (Acer rubrum) would be an example of a relatively fast growing native tree.

The ideal tree will change with the seasons: flowers in the spring or summer, foliage that turns colour in the fall, beautiful bark in the winter.

A serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is a good example of a tree with multiple seasons of interest, although its growth rate is considered to be moderate, not fast. Watch for small white flowers that are remarkable in the spring, followed by purple berries in the early summer. The fall colour of the foliage is a stunning red-orange combination. The bark is grey with extraordinary longitudinal markings, more apparent in the winter.

Corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a large multi-stem shrub or small tree that is tolerant of urban conditions and virtually free of pest and diseases. The small yellow flowers are one of the first signs of spring and in the winter it displays attractive exfoliating bark.

Not surprisingly, there are few trees that fit all my qualifications. It is best to select criteria that are most important for you. Fall is the perfect time for planting trees; enjoy your garden throughout this spectacular season.

 

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca.