14 — Friday, November 1, 1991 - North Shore News

MANY OWNERS of elder homes in cities across Canada are facing a problem with shade trees, or they have a large open space where a large tree once stood. In some cases, older trees such as elms or huge sugar maples have died and owners, though they would like to have another tree, realize they don’t want one that will grow as large as the oviginal one, now dead.

On many other properties, owners see their maple, birch, or even elm in a state of decline, and realize it is not going to be there to shade them much longer. Si: other home owners have a proper- ty with many large trees which do not allow enough sun through to grow any vegetables, or even other than a shady flower garden. Their dilemma is how to get more sun, and yet still! have some trees on the property for shade in specific areas such as the patio or deck.

The answer to all of these

"variations of the same problem, ~ having to do with former or ex- isting large shade trees, according to the Canadian Garden Council, is planting new, smaller trees. In ‘the case of homes which have lost huge trees recently, the space left open allows for the planting of a

‘“:smaller tree in the same spot or -near the trunk of the older one.

~". However, before planting there, it

- .is. wise to consider if there is a

” better spot at which to site a new

. tree, or trees, as replacement(s).

If the older tree is still present, and-in. decline (indicating. it will not. be around for too many more years), or even if it or several such older, specimens appear to be | growing well, it is not too early to , consider planting at least one new, “smailer tree to take over when the .. larger one(s}. succumb. In such ceases, by. planting now, the - younger, smaller tree or trees are Lable to be weil established and

“_. achieve some impressive growth

_ before’ it is necessary to remove

. the older specimens.

. There is still one other scenario -in which some homeowners, ~ especially _ of . newly-purchased ‘resale. homes, may find

: ‘ themselves. In this situation, new

HOME & GARDEN Autumn recommended for planting trees

homeowners buy a resale home because they like the house, but they do not like the garden! The Property, often overgrown with shrubs and small trees, may also be dominated by one or several huge trees which allows limited choice in garden planting — a shade or woodland planting. While such a planting may be popular with some, it will not be with those who wish to grow a wide range of vegetables, and flowers such as roses, filies and other sun-lovers.

The answer in this scenario is the removal of virtually all of the existing garden, including the huge oid shade trees, regardless of their condition. While this may appear to be committing a sin, in view of all the publicity regarding the need to plant more trees, homeowners who decide on this path will actu- ally be planting more trees and shrubs than they are removing. And they will be planting for the future, since, in most cases, the new plants will be helping to purify our air and moderate our climate long after the old shade trees would be dead in any case. However, it takes a great deal of pondering and soul-searching be- fore proceeding!

in all of the foregoing scenarios, the answer is the plant- ing of one or several trees, and the time to plant these, in virtually all cases, is this autumn. In the last several decades, the choice of smaller-growing shade trees has improved substantially. Before deciding on just what tree to plant, the Canadian Garden Council suggests visiting a local arboretum, city parks, university campus, show/display garden, or even a public cemetery, to view some of the trees that grow well in your climate.

The next stop should be.a local garden centre for further advice on the range of smaller trees available. Before narrowing your choice you should consider just what tyye of tree you wish. Choices include the ultimate size, shape of the head, growth habit (upright, weeping, globe), how fast the growth is, special features such as unusual foliage color,

(SPECIAL 15% ‘OFF —

‘min. $250) order °

‘closet organizer¢. mirror doors . ‘& accessories.

t

Must-end-Nov..45/'94

SHOWROOM OPEN MON. - SAT. 9-5

CANADIAN CLOSET

“A family owned business since 1984”

1385 Crown St., N.Van. 986-4263

flowers, autumn coloration, fruits edible by birds, and whether the shade cast is just what your garden needs.

There is a great variation in what are commonly called “smaller trees.’ Generally, many horticulturalists might consider anything from white beam moun- tain ash (Sorbus aria), which grows to a height of 10 metres (35 ft.), down to a weeping mulberry which will never exceed three to four metres (10-12 ft.), as a dwarf or ornamental tree. The choice is wide, and all possibilities should be considered.

If we were to take a look at

Chiropractors caution

some of the newer or lesser-known of the smaller trees, heading the list likely would be the Japanese tree lilac, particularly a cultivar known as “Ivory Silk,” and one or two newer ornamenta! pear trees, as well as the Walker’s weeping peashrub. AH of these trees are relatively disease- and in- sect-free, have attributes such as good growth habits (ultimate heights of from three to 10 metres), flowers which make them attractive, and any fruit that is produced (in the case of the or- namental pears and weeping peashrub) is small and is not gen- erally considered a nuisance.

These trees are only a small sample from a fairly lengthly list of dwarf or ornamental trees worth considering for all of the aforementioned reasons. The Ca- nadian Garden Council recom- mends a visit to your favorite garden centre or nursery for ad- vice on which of the smaller trees are hardy in your area, and which of these is the most suitable for your own individual conditions and needs. Ask for the garden centre manager, and try to make your visit on a weekday or early evening when the centre will be less busy and able to give you more individual attention.

gardeners

to practice preventive measures.

FALL IS a time that inspires everyone to get outside and en- joy the fine weather before winter sets in.

B.C. chiropractors offer some ‘‘golden rules’? for en- thusiastic gardeners and do-it- yourself yard workers. North Vancouver’s Dr. David Olson, president of B.C.’s College of Chiropractors, says ‘‘a com- mon fault is ‘that people often undertake a physical project that they do not have the expe- rience or stamina to handle. People may try a do-it-yourself task like topping a tree or trimming a hedge which is bet- ter handled by professionals.”

To forewarn fall gardeners,

Olson offers a code of caution. compiled by B.C. . chiroprac- tors.

@ Loosen up before working. Stretch and walk about before starting your chores. Give your - muscles a chance to warm up.

@ Use long-handled tools to keep from excessive bending while raking and hoeing. Pushing or pulling in a bending position can strain the shoulders or the lower back.

@ Switch hands - frequently ©

while raking or hoeing. This .

avoids prolonged strain on one side of the body, which can cause muscle spasms.

@ Use short strokes instead of long, forceful ones when using

-periencing spinal

a hedge trimmer, and. ‘keep your back straight. - @ Carry: only. manageable: loads of debris to avoid Strain. ~ on your arms and back..-.- we @ Pace yourself. Don’t try to! do it all -in- one day. When _ muscles tire, take a walk to rebalance and relax them.

“Fall gardening can be an enjoyable and beneficial activi- |

- ty for people of all ages,’’. says

Olson. ‘‘But proper care must be taken to. learn- how . to garden carefully.”

With 80% of persons ex- injuries, education . and self-help make up important preventive prac- tices.

KITCHENS |

Invites you to their ©

|GRAND OPENING

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER IST, 9AM - SPM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 10AM - 4PM

Join the staff in celebrating their new location. Stop in for coffee and sweets.

KITCHENS BY

2990 ARBUTUS ST. (at 14th)

739-1110