Urban Forest Crisis

Leyland Cecco

2017-11-12

Globe and Mail

Keywords: Urban Forest, Tree Selection, Toronto Canopy, Invasive Species, Climate Change, Native Species, Species Diversity

Toronto's urban forest is in trouble. Climate change is set to have a major impact and planners must scramble to temper the fast growth of invasive species. As the city tries to expand its canopy, mistakes from the past are showing why tree choice and smart planning matter for the coming years.

The article highlights the complexities of maintaining and expanding Toronto's urban forest amidst past mistakes and current environmental challenges. The city's efforts to increase its tree canopy are hindered by invasive species, climate change, and the harsh urban environment. Historical tree choices, such as elms and ash trees, were devastated by diseases and pests, while the Norway maple, though providing significant canopy cover, has invasive tendencies and weak limbs. To address these issues, Toronto is focusing on species diversity and resilience, experimenting with "range trees" and using local seeds to increase genetic diversity. Preserving large, mature trees is also crucial for achieving the city's canopy goals. The article underscores the importance of smart planning and tree selection in building a resilient urban forest.

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Tags: Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Urban Forestry, Climate Change, Tree Conservation, Biodiversity, Urban Green Spaces, Ecosystem Management