[CANUFNET] skating rinks & flooding trees

[Todd Irvine]

Hi Netami,

the possibility of skating right under trees sounds wonderful. To  
address Mark's concerns they could construct a square of 2x6s around  
each tree (1 meter from trunk) to hold back the ice, and in turn  
protect the trunk from skates, pucks, etc. This would also address  
any liability concerns about having large solid objects (that people  
could collide with) in the middle of an ice rink.

One other thing to consider is that the ground below the ice will  
likely stay frozen later into the spring, which could perhaps delay  
the commencement of root growth.

Todd

__________________________________

Todd Irvine, MFC, MA, ISA Certified Arborist
Urban Forestry Consultant
Bruce Tree Expert Company Ltd.
www.brucetree.com
647.885.0973
__________________________________




On 26-Jun-08, at 2:31 PM, Mark Peterson wrote:

> Hello Netami:
> One issue that comes to mind is trunk damage occurring from people  
> impacts, shovels and other ice clearing equipment, and skates if  
> ice making occurs adjacent to or around the trees.
>
> Mark Peterson, BES, MLArch, OALA
> Mark Peterson & Associates, Landscape Architect
> (519)743-2990        www.openspacesolutions.com
>
>
> ---- Original Message ----- From: <netami.stuart at utoronto.ca>
> To: "Canadian Urban Forest Network" <canufnet at list.web.net>
> Cc: <netami at pmalarch.ca>
> Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:32 AM
> Subject: [CANUFNET] skating rinks & flooding trees
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> We're redesigning a park in downtown Toronto where residents flood the
> open field area every winter to make a small informal skating rink
> contained by snowbanks.
>
> There are a number of mature trees on the site adjacent to the area
> that is flooded: a couple of Silver Maples both around 30 cm DBH in
> good health and a couple of Austrian Pines also around 30 cm, one with
> more diplodia, lots of sapsucker holes and a lean, the other in fair
> health.
>
> In the past, the neighbours have flooded up to the dripline of the
> trees, but they want to expand their rink.  In our discussions with
> the community they have inquired whether it would be harmful to flood
> right up to the tree stems and skate among the trees.  I didn't know
> the answer, but thought someone on this list might.  The trees are
> planted in a relatively flat park lawn and there are no roots showing
> above ground at this time.  In fact, it looks as if the trees have
> been slightly backfilled. The rink flooding only takes place once the
> ground has frozen and naturally melts in the spring. I have not yet
> obtained soils information on the park, but it is available.
>
> I also wonder what the effect of winter flooding would be on newly
> planted trees that may be part of our re-design.
>
> Any insights would be appreciated.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Netami Stuart
> P M A LANDSCAPE  ARCHITECTS
> 224 Wallace Ave, #321, Toronto, ON, M6H 1V7
> t: 416-239-9818 f: 416-239-1310    e: netami at pmalarch.ca
> www.pmalarch.ca
>
>
>
>
>
>
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