Northern Light
Superstar
From the weekend:
Excuse our Appearance............New Forest Under Construction:
Excuse our Appearance............New Forest Under Construction:
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The Toronto Tree Thread
- Thread starter Northern Light
- Start date
Johnny Au
Senior Member
There's a palm tree enthusiast in the Toronto area who grows palm trees in his yard successfully:
lenaitch
Senior Member
^ No clue about the viability of palms in Toronto, but why would somebody plant a tree that close to the house?
allengeorge
Senior Member
What happens to those trees? Do they keep getting replaced? Does the condo board or city give up and pace it over?
(Actually, I’ve realized I’ve no idea who is responsible for those trees).
(Actually, I’ve realized I’ve no idea who is responsible for those trees).
Northern Light
Superstar
A contractor planting a tree on behalf of the City, normally, and I'd assume (but don't know) the developer here, would be on the hook for 2 years from the date of planting to replace them.
After that, the City picks up the tab on any tree located within the ROW/sidewalk.
In those conditions, I'd expect perpetual replacement.
A contractor would probably honour the warranty anyway, simply because they will likely have a very large contract with the City (thousands of trees), and eating a couple of sure replacements is just the cost of doing business.
But I'd be surprised to seem much in those conditions make it to a third year in passable condition.
allengeorge
Senior Member
It seems like it would be better for the city to work with the developer/condo board to reposition those planters? I assume that’s impossible given the coordination required and the money involved?
Current situation seems just bad for residents as a whole.
Northern Light
Superstar
The planters are in the public ROW, no coordination is required, except in so far as the City made a financial ask.
However, the City approved the current placement (I assume, inexplicably), so I don't think there is any ask to be made.
Its simply a choice.
Now, that said, as I noted above, there may well be utilities impairing better placement.
If a quality tree pit/trench isn't viable; they should consider alternatives.
The City did this behind 700 Bay (no tree, just shrubs/grasses)
I assume, I don't know, this was done due to insufficient root space for trees (though it may have been for sightlines also, in light of how close it is to the curb)
Northern Light
Superstar
As a side note, it occurs to me, that if the City doesn't want to spec stone or other attractive cladding for concrete planters, it could consider specking the dyeing of concrete.
You could easily dye the concrete tan, or terra cotta.
Also, if they standardize the form, they could easily do standardized bolt-on seats on the ends, and a slim wood or metal rim plate over the top on the sides. Just a thought.
You could easily dye the concrete tan, or terra cotta.
Also, if they standardize the form, they could easily do standardized bolt-on seats on the ends, and a slim wood or metal rim plate over the top on the sides. Just a thought.
Midtown Urbanist
Superstar
@Northern Light you inadvertently brought up a new question in the posts above. When planting street trees are undesirable for various reasons, what are the best native (or non-native) shrub/bush species to use as an alternative?
I assume insufficient root space is the main reason why you would opt for a shrub instead of a tree, but is there a clear cutoff point for soil depth or cubic feet/metres for planters that could be used as a rule-of-thumb for when street trees are not sustainable?
I assume insufficient root space is the main reason why you would opt for a shrub instead of a tree, but is there a clear cutoff point for soil depth or cubic feet/metres for planters that could be used as a rule-of-thumb for when street trees are not sustainable?
afransen
Senior Member
There are some pretty impressive palms not far from the beach in Port Dover. I was quite surprised to see them there. Not sure what is involved in helping them survive the winter.
Northern Light
Superstar
Each of the trees stand approximately 15 feet tall and remain along the beach for the next five months or so. When fall arrives, the trees are then sent back to a greenhouse where they can be protected from frost damage.
This Ontario Beach With Real Palm Trees Will Make You Feel Like You're In Cancun
Tropical vibes in the north.
www.narcity.com
afransen
Senior Member
I assume in such situations you could also do some smaller decorative trees like standards. Although sightlines would be a consideration.
afransen
Senior Member
Ah, I figured, given how exposed they are.Each of the trees stand approximately 15 feet tall and remain along the beach for the next five months or so. When fall arrives, the trees are then sent back to a greenhouse where they can be protected from frost damage.
This Ontario Beach With Real Palm Trees Will Make You Feel Like You're In Cancun
Tropical vibes in the north.
Northern Light
Superstar
It is possible, in theory, to protect some palm species enough to sustain them through a Toronto winter; the video from the fellow posted above suggests he's been able to keep at least 2 of them alive through 2 winters.
But you have to wrap them/protect them.
Its bit of work............err.........the bigger they get, the more work it is!
But you have to wrap them/protect them.
Its bit of work............err.........the bigger they get, the more work it is!
Northern Light
Superstar
Trees begin to perform significantly less well below 30m3 of soil volume.
Some species (Honey Locust) can manage on less.......but they would still prefer more.
I would argue for a cut-off at 30m3; but it wouldn't be the end of the world if you had 28 etc. w/the right species.
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A shrub could be preferred for sightline reasons; or in some cases, high wind (some shrubs are naturally coastal/shoreline species and can take high wind w/minimal risk of damage and no risk of large limbs falling on a member of the public.
But certainly, less soil volume would indicate that a plant that consumes less resources would be a wise choice.
Though there are certainly many factors to consider all the same.
Just as with trees, some prefer sun, some shade, some prefer their feet damp, others are quite drought tolerant.
One also needs to be mindful of how much fruit might drop, and where.
Also not all shrubs are short.
Alternate-Leaf Dogwood is a shrub, but can reach 20ft tall.
Even Grey Dogwood, which is comparatively shorter, can easily give you 10ft (though 6-8 is probably way more common here)
One of the safer, native choices would likely be Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)
Below is actually a 'dwarf cultivar'. But the wild ones tend to only grow to 3-4ft.
from: https://bluethumb.org/plants/diervilla-lonicera/