The Care of City Trees

The older parts of Ontario cities such as Toronto have tall trees - often red or white oaks. These trees have many benefits including shade for us from the sun, the cooling of houses in the summer, protection from wind in the winter, habitat for wildlife, beauty, and property value.

Yet, many of these trees are near the end of their life cycle, and not enough new ones are being planted. How about a law that, every time a tree is cut down, two new ones have to be planted?

Trees, like all living beings including us, need food. Their food comes from the leaves which fall on the ground and become soil again, so that the cycle of life will sustain itself. Yet, many of the leaves are taken away from the trees which provided them; the leaves are removed in bags. The trees eventually become less green.

Another problem is air pollution. Some types of trees are more susceptible to pollution than others. You can observe those trees which have just branches and no leaves at the top, which is where the new growth should be taking place. Norway maples are widely planted because they are pollution-resistant, grow quickly, and provide shade. However, they are not native trees, and the birds do not nest in them for that reason.

A more intelligent approach is obviously needed for the care of our trees.