While tree-planting methods have changed in contrast to the old days of trees-in-boxes, they remain highly inadequate. Personally, I don't see the point to spending money on trees and labour when: 1. Trees are unprotected from vandalism and heavy winds, both of which are common downtown: 2. They are placed in narrow pits that allow neither adequate moisture and ventilation( yes, trees breathe too in their own way): 3. They are not irrigated past the two year point, when they remain small and vulnerable. 90% of the trees planted along Wellesley St. E. have succumbed over the last three years since they were planted for these various reasons. Somehow, Montreal, a much poorer city than Toronto, manages to water their downtown trees on a regular basis. As well, Montreal and New York City place "cages" around trees for a number of years until they are past the point of being vulnerable to vandalism. New rules about trees adjacent to large developments may make a difference but most downtown trees are not fortunate enough to benefit from them. We need to have a real commitment to greening our downtown streets and doing it properly. It would make the place a far more attractive and hospitable place to be.
