2010 Calgary Tree Planting Thread!

[Ducay]

I figure its about time to get a running thread going for tree planting in Calgary (aka the land of tree-less suburbs).

I'll start things off with a question:

-What are some good alternatives to Swedish Aspens? I live in a mature neighbourhood, but I want to get a few new trees growing in my yard for a little more privacy and as a backup if my tall, mature, trees go bye-bye. I love the look of the swedish aspens, but Im hoping to find a fast growing, tall, alternative. (Ive got 2 monster poplars on my property and want a different species).

[Kybosh]

I'm going to develop a company where rich people pay me to plant trees on their behalf to offset the carbon footprint from their Escalades.

[Shazam]

There's nothing like the Swedish Columnar Aspen, other than the Tower Poplar, and they're so alike that you might as well consider them twins. That's why they're so popular.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by Shazam

That's why they're so poplar.

Fyp


So when's the best time to get planting? asap? or early may?

[Madman]

Is space a concern? Is that why you are looking at an Aspen?

If you have some room, any Willow will grow very quickly and they are beautiful - especially the Goldens. They do prefer moist soil, so if this is a lower lying spot in your yard, it would be perfect.

If space is a concern then other thinner trees you could look at would be a columnar Mountain Ash or even an Amur Maple.

[Sliver]

This thread needs pics.

I wish more people planted trees, especially in newer communities. And not those $20 tiny trees, either. Spend a few hundred and give yourself a 10 year jumpstart.

[Locke]

I just tied a tree to the back of my Jeep and hauled it's precious earth saving carcass across a beautiful paved landscape.

Nature is evil. Pave it.

[puffnstuff]

After a little research maybe consider the Prairie SKy Poplar tree...seems to have the benefits of the aspen without the pitfalls of other poplars.

Of course if anyone has actually planted a P.S. poplar and has an opinion, lets hear it.

[Ducay]

Pics for reference!

Swedish Aspen


Prarie Sky Poplar




Columnar Mountain Ash






And which are better, pot grown trees? or otherwise

[Shazam]

Mountain Ashes grow quite slowly. Willows are good choices for privacy, they grow really fast but they don't do well in arid conditions.

Container trees can be put into the ground by humans without much effort. Caliper trees are the ones that Sliver is referring to, they usually require a backhoe to dig a hoe and a special tree planting crane. Or 15 men.

[SilverGS]

Anyone know how late into the season you can plant Swedish Aspens? Is it to late already?

[Shazam]

Oh goodness no, you have a ton of time to plant them.