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I'd like to see an Edmonton vs Calgary comparison if u can please. I believe one of the other factors that affect Calgary's trees is the Chinooks which are known to stunt growth. With that said, there are still a few species of deciduous and coniferous trees that grow very well in Calgary's climate. I don't know why we don't build on our strengths.
Surprisingly, the longer growing season has almost no effect as the extra 15 frost free days are days happening at a time when the trees are more or less dormant. The short days in September slow growth down to a crawl and even if the frost stayed away another 3 weeks, it wouldn't change anything. The lack of sun causes trees to go dormant and the leaves to changes color. That's why you see leaves on trees in Toronto and southern ontario stay green longer. It's often believed to be the warmer falls, but it's actually the amount of sunlight, as they are quite a bit farther south. l Those extra 15 days help more for gardening, but even then, it has a minimal effect.
Aspen groves should do well here I would think. They're native to the area, and they seem to grow on their own even when they aren't planted. They would look nice alongside the Deerfoot.
Agreed! I think they’d be great along freeways, particularly in on/off-ramps.
I'm fine with interspersed thickets of trees, and in fact would prefer that to a solid thicket of trees. Definitely something other than the bare open spaces they have in many areas. The example shown in the map link is pretty much what I had in mind.
www.google.ca
What we need is more of this:
Roadside Naturalization Pilot Project in Ward 10
www.calgary.ca
The article quotes a cost of $1.5 MM to maintain turf grass throughout the city medians that adds no value IMO. I really hope this pilot bears fruit and acts as a catalyst to moving away from our obsession with green turf grass
Agreed.What we need is more of this:
Roadside Naturalization Pilot Project in Ward 10
The article quotes a cost of $1.5 MM to maintain turf grass throughout the city medians that adds no value IMO. I really hope this pilot bears fruit and acts as a catalyst to moving away from our obsession with green turf grass
Well when it comes to my personal lawn I fit the 1950's mentality. My grass is extremely manicured and I treat it as a piece of art. Lush, dark green in colour, no dead spots, perfectly angle cut, watered and fertilized regularly. I'll even hand dig any stray dandelions that makes its way onto my grass. Maybe it's the Italian in me, but I also wash my driveway a couple times a year! Out along the major roads I say go all natural. I love the idea of planting aspen groves in and amongst natural shrubs and grasses. I do prefer some of the downtown parks to be manicured like Central memorial, Olympic Plaza, etc. I don't expect every suburban house to have a lawn as manicured as mine, but I do expect they cut it, keep it free from weeds, and throw a little water once in a while. People want a yard but are too lazy to take care of it.
Calgary would gave longer days that southern Ontario until the third week of Sep. The leaves seem to start changing earlier in Calgary than Edmonton most years. Lots of European cities north of Calgary have trees that retain their leaves well into October and November. Daylight hours can't be the only factor.Surprisingly, the longer growing season has almost no effect as the extra 15 frost free days are days happening at a time when the trees are more or less dormant. The short days in September slow growth down to a crawl and even if the frost stayed away another 3 weeks, it wouldn't change anything. The lack of sun causes trees to go dormant and the leaves to changes color. That's why you see leaves on trees in Toronto and southern ontario stay green longer. It's often believed to be the warmer falls, but it's actually the amount of sunlight, as they are quite a bit farther south. l Those extra 15 days help more for gardening, but even then, it has a minimal effect.
The biggest difference maker is the precipitation. If you water trees in Calgary they'll grow fine and a good example of this is Regina, where every single tree is hand planted. There were virtually no trees in Regina before the area was settled, but today they have a fair amount of nice big old trees.
Chinooks do also play a part. some trees and shrubs don't take well to the freeze thaw cycle.
Here's a shot of Regina showing the tree canopy, and in the backdrop, no trees at all.
